How to recognise infected stitches

Some soreness and mild swelling can follow wound closure, but infection tends to produce symptoms that worsen rather than settle. Redness may extend beyond the stitch line, the skin can feel hot, and drainage may become cloudy, thick, or unpleasant-smelling. The wound may gape, or the thread may seem to be cutting into increasingly swollen skin. Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell make prompt assessment more important.

Do not squeeze the wound, remove stitches yourself, or apply leftover antibiotics, antiseptic mixtures, or household products. Wash your hands before changing a dressing and keep the area protected according to the wound-care instructions you were given. Contact the clinician or service that closed the wound as soon as possible; they may need to examine the edges, drainage, and depth before choosing treatment. Mention allergies, medicines, diabetes, and any recent injury contamination.

Get urgent medical help if redness is rapidly spreading, pain is severe or escalating, the wound opens, bleeding is difficult to control, or you notice red streaking away from the wound. Fever with confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or marked weakness requires emergency attention. A deep or dirty wound may also need a review of tetanus protection.

Ask whether the wound needs a swab, drainage, stitch removal, or prescription treatment, how often to change the dressing, and which symptoms mean you should return immediately.