What should you know about dressing over stitches?

Whether stitches need a dressing depends on their site, the amount of drainage, and the advice given after suturing. A dressing is especially useful where clothing, hands, dust or movement may disturb the wound. It should sit lightly over the area rather than press directly into the suture line.

Mild soreness and slight swelling may be part of early healing. A dressing that stays damp, becomes dirty, or sticks to the wound can irritate the skin and should be dealt with using the instructions from the treating team.

Wash and dry your hands, prepare the recommended dressing, and remove the old covering slowly. Look for changes without pulling on the stitches. Clean only as advised, pat dry, and apply a fresh dressing if the wound still needs protection. Do not share towels, pick scabs, or cut suture material yourself.

Keep pressure and stretching away from the area. Avoid swimming or soaking until the clinician says it is safe. Wound Care and Dressing and Wound Suturing provide broader procedural guidance.

Contact a clinician promptly if redness spreads, the area becomes hotter or more swollen, pain increases, or discharge becomes thick, yellow, green or foul-smelling. Seek review if stitches loosen or the wound edges separate. Emergency care is appropriate for uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain with loss of function, fainting or rapidly worsening illness.

Does this wound need to stay covered all the time? How often should the dressing be changed? When can normal washing and exercise resume? What should I do if a stitch catches on the dressing or the wound starts bleeding?