What should you know about stitch suture?

A clinician may place stitches when a cut is deep, gaping, bleeding, or located where movement would pull the edges apart. The thread can sit through the skin or beneath it. Some sutures dissolve as tissue heals; others need removal by a trained professional. Local anaesthetic such as lidocaine can numb the area during the procedure.

Follow the dressing instructions you were given. Keep the wound clean, avoid soaking it, and do not pull, cut, or retie the thread yourself. Protect the area from friction and activities that stretch the wound. Wash your hands before touching nearby skin, and use only recommended products. Tetanus vaccination may need review after some injuries, especially contaminated wounds.

Arrange prompt medical review if redness spreads, swelling increases, pain becomes stronger, the wound opens, or fluid with an unpleasant smell drains from it. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, loss of feeling or movement, or a hand, foot, face, eye, or deep puncture injury.

Ask which type of suture was used, when the wound should be checked, whether and when removal is needed, how to change the dressing, and which activities to avoid. Also ask whether your tetanus protection is up to date.