Taking Care of Your Stitches – Topic Overview
Your wound will need care and observation. Tomorrow you can shower and pat dry. No pools or hot tubs until stitches are removed and you are cleared by your provider.
No Heavy Lifting.
Apply a GENEROUS AMOUNT of Vaseline (No Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic they can irritate the skin. Aquaphor has lanolin which can be an allergen) and cover with a nonstick bandage. Change your bandage every 24 hours and anytime it gets wet or dirty.
It is normal for stitches to cause a small amount of skin redness and swelling where the stitch enters the skin. Your wound may itch or feel irritated. Check your wound every day for signs of infection, including pain, swelling, warmth, redness, red streaks, puss or fever.
Your provider will tell you when to have your stitches removed. When deciding how long to leave your stitches in place, your provider will consider factors, such as the location, depth, and size of your wound and your general health. Be sure to follow his or her instructions.
Most of the time, stitches are removed:
Face: 4 to 5 days
Scalp: 7-11 days
Hands and Arms: 5 to 10 days
Feet, legs, chest, abdomen, and back: 7 to 14 days
Over a joint: 7 to 14 days
Call Dermatology Care & Wellness Center at 443-593-3021(office) or 443-488-4625(mobile) if you have any questions or concerns about the care of your wound.