SUTURE QUESTIONS

Definition

  • This topic covers common questions about sutures or stitches.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SUTURE QUESTIONS

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • A major surgical wound is starting to open up
  • Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Suture came out early and wound has re-opened

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Suture came out early and wound is still closed
  • Suture removal is overdue

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home If:

  • Sutured wound with no complications and you don't think you need to be seen
^Back to Top

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SUTURED WOUND

  1. Suture Care for a normal sutured wound:
    • Can get wound wet (e.g. bathing or swimming) after 24 hours.
    • Apply antibiotic ointment 3 times a day.  (Reason: to prevent infection and a thick scab.)
    • Cleanse with warm water once daily or if becomes soiled.
    • Change wound dressing when wet or soiled.
    • Dressing no longer needed when edge of wound closed (usually 48 hours)
    • EXCEPTION: dressing needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
  2. Removal Date: Guidelines for when particular sutures (stitches) or staples should be removed:
    • Face 4-5 days
    • Neck 7 days
    • Scalp  7-10 days
    • Chest or abdomen 7-10 days
    • Arms and back of hands 7-10 days
    • Legs and top of feet 10 days
    • Back 10 days
    • Palms and soles 12-14 days
    • Overlying a joint 12-14 days
  3. Removal Delays:  Don't miss your appointment for removing stitches. Stitches removed late can leave unnecessary skin marks and occasionally cause scarring. Delays also makes suture removal more difficult.
  4. Suture Out Early:  If the sutures come out early, reinforce the wound with tape or butterfly Band-Aids until the office visit
  5. Wound Protection:  After removal of sutures:
    • Protect the wound from injury during the following month
    • Avoid sports that could re-injure the wound. If a sport is essential, apply tape before playing.
    • Allow the scab to fall off on its own. Do not try to remove it.
  6. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
    • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not use if pregnant. Do not use ibuprofen for >7 days without consulting your doctor.
    • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
    • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Looks infected
    • Fever
    • Sutures come out early
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
^Back to Top

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

See Other Topics:

View Anatomic Index of Topics