It is normal for stitches or staples to cause a small amount of skin redness and swelling where the stitch or staple enters the skin. Your wound may itch or feel irritated.
Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Your cut may not need a bandage if it is not likely to get dirty, it is not draining, and it is in an area where clothing will not rub it. If you use a bandage, change it every 24 hours and anytime it gets wet or very dirty. Your doctor will tell you when to have your stitches or staples removed. When deciding how long to leave your stitches or staples in place, your doctor will consider several 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:. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. Blahd Jr. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. Head for treatment if the injury looks infected. Signs of infection include redness spreading from the wound, swelling, green or yellow discharge, or warm and tender skin.
A wound on the bottom of the foot, such as a nail through the shoe, should also receive treatment from a professional. Keep applying pressure if the bleeding continues and hold the injury above your heart, if possible. Do not apply any kind of tourniquet. Do not use peroxide, iodine, or rubbing alcohol. They may damage the tissue. If the bleeding stops, run warm water over the cut and gently wash with mild soap.
Rinse again. Apply antibiotic cream and cover the injury with gauze to prevent infection. If bleeding resumes and the gauze gets soaked, add more pads until the bleeding ceases. If a bandage is used, do not remove it. If neither are available, use a clean cloth, plastic bags, or even a clean hand.
Try to remember when you had your last tetanus shot. This is a head-scratcher for many people. But do not take the time to rummage through your old papers for your shot records. Depending on how severe the cut is, stitches may be removed in a few days to a few weeks whereas oral stitches dissolve on their own. Your doctor will tell you when you can clean the area and how to do so. You should gently remove dirt and crust that accumulates around the stitches and cover it with a clean bandage if fluid leakage is present.
Avoid swimming and bathing with your stitches, although showering is OK. Wash the area gently and pat dry with a towel. If your child has stitches, he or she should stay out of sandboxes and other dirty areas. Getting debris into the cut can increase the risk of infection. Contact sports should also be avoided until the wound heals. Call the doctor right away if signs of infection develop.
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