What should you know about surgical stitches?

A clinician cleans and examines the wound before deciding whether stitches are suitable. Local anaesthetic such as lidocaine can numb the area while the wound is closed. Stitches may be absorbable, meaning they break down in the body, or non-absorbable, meaning a clinician usually removes them later. The choice depends on the wound, tension on the skin, and location.

Some stitches sit beneath the skin and others are visible on the surface. Mild tenderness, tightness, swelling, or a small amount of blood-stained fluid may occur early in healing. The wound should gradually become less sore and less red rather than worsening.

Keep the dressing and wound care routine as instructed. Wash your hands before touching the area, avoid pulling or picking at the stitches, and keep activities within the limits given by the treating clinician. Protect the wound from friction and soaking until you are told it is ready. Do not apply creams, antiseptics, or household products unless advised. Attend the planned removal or review appointment.

Contact a clinician promptly if redness spreads, pain increases, the wound becomes hot, pus appears, the edges separate, or you develop fever. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not settle with firm pressure, loss of feeling or movement near the wound, or a rapidly worsening swelling. A tetanus vaccination review may be needed after some injuries.

Ask whether your stitches dissolve or need removal, when the wound can get wet, which activities to avoid, how the dressing should be changed, and who to contact if the wound opens or becomes more painful.