Stitches, medically known as sutures, are sterile threads or wires used by healthcare professionals to close wounds or surgical incisions. They serve as a temporary means to hold body tissues together, bringing the edges of a wound into close approximation. This process is a fundamental aspect of the body’s natural healing response, providing support as new tissue forms. The selection of suture material and technique depends on the wound’s characteristics and location.
The Role of Stitches in Healing
Stitches are applied to wounds that are deep, wide, or have ragged edges, or those located over joints, where natural healing might be compromised. They precisely align wound edges, reducing the gap the body needs to bridge with new tissue formation.
Stitches reduce tension on the healing wound, allowing cells to multiply and new collagen fibers to form an organized matrix. Collagen is a primary component of connective tissue, providing strength and structure to the healing wound. By holding the wound securely, stitches support tissue regeneration and minimize the risk of the wound pulling apart.
Immediate Risks of Premature Removal
Removing stitches before the wound has adequately healed can lead to immediate complications. The most direct consequence is wound dehiscence, or the separation of wound edges. This happens because the newly formed tissue, primarily collagen, has not yet gained sufficient tensile strength to withstand the forces acting on the wound.
An open wound due to premature stitch removal is susceptible to increased bleeding, as the fragile, unhealed capillaries can easily rupture. This exposure also creates an open pathway for environmental contaminants to enter the body. The wound’s internal structures become directly exposed to the external environment.
The separation of wound edges can also cause acute pain due to stimulated nerve endings. This discomfort results from the body’s protective mechanisms responding to the sudden disruption of the healing site. Re-closure or further medical intervention becomes likely to manage the reopened wound.
Potential Long-Term Complications
One significant long-term complication of premature stitch removal is a heightened risk of infection. An open wound provides an ideal entry point for bacteria. This can lead to localized infections, characterized by redness, swelling, pus discharge, and increased pain.
A persistent infection can impair proper wound healing. It can lead to prolonged healing, making the wound more vulnerable to further complications. In some cases, infection might spread beyond the wound site, requiring antibiotics or surgical drainage.
Improper healing due to premature stitch removal can also result in worse scarring. When wound edges are not held together long enough, collagen fibers may form, leading to raised, thick scars known as hypertrophic scars. In some individuals, this can progress to keloid scars, which extend beyond the original wound boundaries.
These scars can be cosmetically undesirable, itchy, painful, and in some locations, restrict movement. Without adequate support, the body’s attempt to close the wound can lead to excessive scar tissue formation, which is less elastic and visually more prominent than a properly healed scar. In some cases, the wound may require re-suturing or other corrective surgical procedures to address delayed healing and scarring.
Steps to Take if Stitches Come Out Early
If stitches come out, it is important to act promptly to minimize potential complications. First, gently clean the wound area with mild soap and water, or an antiseptic solution. After cleaning, cover the wound with a clean, sterile dressing or bandage.
It is important to contact a healthcare professional immediately, such as a doctor or urgent care clinic. They can assess the wound and determine the appropriate course of action, which may include re-suturing if still possible. Self-treating or attempting to re-stitch the wound at home is not recommended, as this can introduce infection or cause further damage.