Stitches, medically known as sutures, are threads used to hold body tissues together after an injury or surgery. Their purpose is to close wounds, allowing the natural healing process to occur while minimizing the risk of infection and scarring. Stitches help bring the edges of a wound together, speeding up recovery.
The Initial Experience
When receiving stitches, healthcare providers use a local anesthetic to numb the area. This injection, often lidocaine, can cause a brief stinging or burning sensation, similar to a bee sting, but this discomfort is temporary and manageable. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the area becomes numb, and you should feel pressure or a tugging sensation as the stitches are placed, rather than sharp pain.
Living with Stitches
After the initial application, it is normal to experience sensations as the wound begins to heal. You might feel tightness or mild soreness around the stitched area, which lessens over time. Itching can also occur as part of healing. The level of discomfort depends on the wound’s location and its depth.
While some redness and swelling are expected during the early healing stages, increasing pain, throbbing, spreading redness, or warmth around the stitches indicate a problem. Other signs that warrant medical attention include pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound, fever, or if the wound edges begin to separate. These symptoms suggest an infection, requiring prompt medical evaluation.
The Removal Process
Stitch removal is a quick procedure with minimal discomfort. You may feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation as the threads are clipped and carefully pulled out. The process is not painful, though some mild pressure is common.
The level of sensation during removal varies based on how well the wound has healed and the location of the stitches. For most external stitches, no additional anesthetic is needed for removal. Dissolvable stitches are designed to break down and be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for manual removal.
Promoting Comfort and Healing
Proper care of stitches ensures comfort and a smooth healing process. Keeping the wound clean and dry is a primary step to prevent infection. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions, which include gently cleaning the area around the stitches with mild soap and water, then patting it dry. Avoiding strenuous activities that might strain the wound, as excessive movement can interfere with healing.
For mild pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used, following dosage guidelines. Applying a cold compress to the area for 15-20 minutes every few hours also helps reduce swelling and pain. Watch for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge, and contact a healthcare professional if symptoms develop.