What should you know about dressing for a sutured wound?

Stitches hold the wound edges together, but the surrounding skin still needs protection. A suitable dressing can absorb a small amount of fluid, reduce rubbing from clothing, and stop fingers from disturbing the sutures. The type and duration depend on the wound location, depth, drainage and the clinician’s instructions.

Some tenderness, mild swelling and a small amount of clear or blood-stained fluid can occur early on. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pain or cloudy discharge needs assessment rather than repeated covering at home.

Wash your hands before and after touching the dressing. Change it when it is wet, dirty, loose or soaked, using the clean materials recommended by the treating team. Clean around the wound as instructed, pat the skin dry, and avoid pulling at the stitches or applying unapproved creams.

Keep the wound protected from soaking until you are told bathing is acceptable. Avoid activities that stretch the stitched area. If the dressing sticks, moisten it as directed rather than tearing it away. Wound Care and Dressing and Wound Suturing explain related care.

Arrange prompt review if the wound opens, a stitch breaks, bleeding does not settle with gentle pressure, or pain and swelling are getting worse. Fever, spreading redness, pus, a bad smell, red streaks, or reduced movement near the wound may indicate infection or another complication. Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, severe loss of function or a rapidly worsening condition.

How long should this dressing stay on? When can the wound get wet? Which activity restrictions apply? When should the stitches be removed, and is tetanus vaccination needed for the injury?