How to Take Care of Your Stitches

Stitches in your skin are similar to those in your clothes. In both, the case threads are required to keep the things together. They're composed of a variety of fabrics, including nylon and silk.

Dr. Audumbar Borgaonkar Created on 5th Jul, 21

Suppose a cut has been made on you or your kid. You rush to see a physician near you. If it is severe, then you may have a stitch-up in the wound. 

If you think that the problem has been solved, then you are partially wrong. Yes, Stitching into a wound is the first step towards recovery. 

You must know how to care for fresh stitches, whether they result from an accident or surgery. That way, you or your child will be able to heal fast and effectively.

Dr. Audumbar, the best Plastic surgeon in Navi Mumbai, is here to guide you through the recovery procedure after stitches. In this blog, you will learn how to take care of your stitches in detail. 

 

Let us have an overview of stitches and how do you use them?

  • Stitches in your skin are similar to those in your clothes. In both, the case threads are required to keep the things together. They're composed of a variety of fabrics, including nylon and silk.
  • Some, like those used in the mouth, disappear on their own. Others will have to be removed later.
  • Your stitches are crucial because they reduce the risk of further bleeding or infection. They also help to lessen scarring.

 

How to take care of your stitches?

Dr. Audumbar, the best plastic surgeon in Navi Mumbai, will advise you on how to care for your sutures and inform you when they will come out after you had them. It might be as short as a few days or as long as two weeks. It depends on the depth of your incision, where it happened on your body, and the type of sutures you received.

 

If you don't understand any of the instructions provided to you, call your doctor again.

 

After the doctor has completed the stitches, keep the incision area dry for the first 24 hours. You'll have a decreased infection risk.

 

Follow your doctor's directions for when and how to begin cleaning the area. Cleaning usually requires at least a day's notice.

 

After that, you should wash away any debris or crust that has formed around the sutures. As a result, your chances of getting a scar are reduced. If the incision bleeds clear, yellow fluid, you may need to wrap it.

 

After cleaning, pat the area dry with a clean towel in a gentle manner.

 

Now let us discuss few other tips:  

Refrain from scratching. You might harm the stitches by scratching.

Don't go swimming. Before entering the pool or pond, wait for complete healing. 

There is no problem with taking a shower. Shield your wound while taking a shower if possible. If your stitches get wet, use a towel to dry them.

You should avoid contact sports during the healing period. It will help you to avoid bumps and bruises.

Keep your youngster away from filthy areas. Keep your youngster away from mud, sand, and paint, even if it's a hard request. It might cause the wound to get filthy and infected.

 

Keep an eye out for signs of infection.

Keep an eye out for any indications of infection as you continue to care for your sutures. They are as follows:

 

  • Pain is becoming worse.
  • Redness surrounding the incision that worsens rather than improves
  • The wound has a crimson stripe that is moving upward.
  • Swelling
  • Pus or bleeding are two different things.
  • A foul odor is originating from the region.
  • Fever

If you see any indications of infection, contact your doctor right once. You should seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

 

Getting stitches removed

Some sutures disintegrate on their own. Other times, you'll have to go back to the doctor to get them removed.

 

The type of cut and the location of the cut will determine when you should perform this. Sutures over joints, such as your knees and elbows, generally need to stay in for longer than stitches in other areas.

 

Putting stitches in is more complex than pulling them out. You may feel some pulling, but it shouldn't be unpleasant. Taking them out takes less time than putting them in.

 

What do you do with scars?

You or your child may be concerned about the scar that will remain after your sutures have been removed. You may make them less noticeable by doing the following:

 

Take precautions against the sun. For up to 6 months after an accident, sun-damaged skin is significantly more prone to discolor. As much as possible, keep your head and body covered with a cap or clothes. Use sunscreen to prevent the scar from darkening, but wait two weeks after the wound has healed before applying it.

 

Silicone gels or sheets If you use silicone-based products for at least 12 hours a day, they may help reduce scars and enhance color. However, consult your doctor before attempting this.

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