After stitches close a wound after an injury or surgery, it is common to notice a bump or raised area around the site during the healing process. Understanding the reasons behind these bumps, from normal tissue repair to issues that might require medical attention, can guide appropriate care.
Expected Bumps During Healing
The body’s natural response to a wound often results in bumps or firmness around the stitch site. As the wound mends, the body produces new tissue, known as granulation tissue, to bridge the gap. This new tissue is typically pink or red and can have a bumpy texture due to the development of new capillaries.
With dissolvable stitches, a small, firm knot or bump may be felt under the skin as they gradually break down. These sutures can take several months to dissolve, and the area may not feel smooth until then. A tiny piece of a dissolvable stitch might even work its way to the surface. Initial inflammation and swelling around the wound are also normal, causing temporary redness, warmth, and tenderness.
When a Bump is Concerning
While many bumps are normal, certain characteristics can indicate a problem requiring medical evaluation. Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling that worsens rather than improves, and persistent or severe pain around the wound. Other signs include pus or cloudy discharge, a foul odor, warmth to the touch, or red streaks extending from the wound. A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, accompanied by chills, can signal a systemic infection.
A suture granuloma is a concerning bump, forming when the body’s immune system reacts to the stitch material as a foreign substance. These can appear as a mass or cluster of immune cells around the sutures, sometimes appearing red, swollen, or like a boil. Additionally, fluid collections like a seroma (clear fluid) or hematoma (blood) can accumulate under the skin, causing swelling or bruising. They may require drainage if large or uncomfortable.
Later in the healing process, excessive scar tissue can form, resulting in hypertrophic scars or keloids. Hypertrophic scars are raised but remain within the original wound boundaries, while keloids extend beyond them, sometimes appearing as a bulging, itchy, or painful mass. These develop due to an overproduction of collagen during healing. While not immediate post-stitch issues, they can be perceived as concerning bumps.
Next Steps and Care
If a bump appears at a stitch site, self-monitoring for any changes in size, color, pain, or discharge is important. Proper wound care, as instructed by a healthcare provider, involves keeping the area clean and dry. Avoid picking at or squeezing the bump, as this can disrupt healing or introduce infection.
Contact a doctor if you observe concerning symptoms, such as increasing redness or swelling, worsening pain, bright yellow or green drainage, a foul odor, or if the wound opens. A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher also needs medical attention. While gentle massage can sometimes help with scar tissue maturation, this should only be done after consulting a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for your healing stage and wound type.