Suture Questions

DEFINITION

  • This topic covers common questions about sutures (stitches)

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

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

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 it 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: Do not 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, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 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

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 9/21/2007

Last Revised: 3/21/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online

Portions Copyright 2000-2007 Self Care Decisions LLC; Copyright LMS, Inc.
 
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