Wound and Stitches Home Care
Care Instructions
Wound healing requires cleanliness and peace. Stitches (sutures), staples, or surgical glue applied by a doctor hold the wound edges together, speeding up tissue healing and minimizing scarring. Careful home care prevents infections, which are the most common factor slowing down wound healing.
Treating a stitched wound
Keep the wound area completely dry and clean for the first 24 hours. After this, you can take a shower, but the wound must not be rubbed or soaked. After showering, pat the wound dry gently with a clean towel or gauze. Saunas, swimming, and bathing must be avoided until the stitches are removed.
Protect the wound with a clean dressing or plaster until it is completely dry. If the wound is closed with glue, it will peel off on its own in about 5–10 days – do not scratch the glue surface. Stitches are removed at a time determined by the doctor, usually after 7–14 days.
Contact a doctor if:
- The wound begins to redden intensely, feels hot, or swells.
- Pus or foul-smelling discharge drains from the wound.
- You develop a fever.
- The wound opens again.