Stitches, also known as sutures, hold body tissues together after injury or surgery. Their primary purpose is to approximate wound edges, enabling natural healing. Stitches help reduce infection risk by keeping the wound closed and minimize scar formation. Proper care prevents complications and promotes healing.
Cleaning Your Stitches Properly
Cleaning stitches involves gentle techniques and specific cleaning agents to support healing. After the initial 24 to 48 hours, when the wound should be kept dry, cleaning can begin. Clean the area once or twice daily, or as instructed by a healthcare professional.
Before cleaning, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the wound. Clean the area around the stitches using mild soap and warm water or a sterile saline solution. Gently pat or wipe the skin, avoiding harsh scrubbing that could disrupt the healing tissue.
Showering is typically permissible after 24 to 48 hours, but avoid soaking the wound in baths or pools until stitches are removed and the wound has fully healed. After the area gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean towel or gauze to prevent prolonged moisture.
Substances to Avoid
Certain household substances can be detrimental to healing stitches and should not be used. Avoid applying hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, iodine, harsh soaps, antibacterial soaps, or scented products directly onto the stitched area. Lotions, creams, or ointments should also be avoided unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider.
These agents can irritate delicate new tissue, dry out the skin, and damage cells working to repair the wound. Hydrogen peroxide can cause absorbable sutures to break down prematurely, compromising wound closure and delaying healing. Using such substances can slow down the overall healing process and increase the risk of infection or irritation.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While proper stitch care supports healing, it is important to recognize signs that may indicate a complication or infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you observe increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound.
Other concerning symptoms include severe or worsening pain, pus or any foul-smelling discharge from the wound, or a fever, typically above 100.4°F (38.33°C). Seek medical advice if the stitches appear to be coming undone prematurely, if the wound opens or gapes, if red streaks extend from the wound, or if you generally feel unwell. Early intervention for these signs is important to prevent further complications.