Suture Care
(Public Health)
Through this page, your questions about surgical stitches will be answered.
What are surgical stitches?
They are: medical threads used to close wounds, made from natural or synthetic materials. When the wound heals, the doctor removes them, and some types dissolve automatically.
- Types of surgical stitches:
- There are different types of surgical stitches, and the doctor determines which to use depending on the wound:
Non-absorbable stitches: removed by the doctor after the wound has healed.
Absorbable stitches: absorbed naturally by the body and do not need to be removed.
- Health guidelines for caring for surgical stitches:
- There are guidelines that help you care for surgical stitches and avoid infection, including:
- Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid exposing it to water during the first 24–48 hours after stitching.
- Bathe with water and soap while making sure not to wash or rub the stitches directly.
- Dry the stitches immediately after bathing using a clean towel without rubbing the area.
- Do not pull or cut the stitches; let them fall out on their own or wait until your scheduled appointment for removal.
- Use only the creams and medications prescribed by your doctor.
- Avoid physical activities that may cause the stitches to open, such as swimming and cycling.
If there are dressings, follow your doctor’s instructions to keep them clean and dry.
Make sure to wash your hands before cleaning the wound.
- What are the signs of infection?
- There are signs that, if they appear, you should contact your doctor:
- Any redness, pain, or discharge of pus.
- Bleeding that does not stop after applying direct pressure for 10 minutes.
Fever of 37.7C or higher.
- Pain that does not go away even after taking painkillers.
Common misconceptions about surgical stitch care:
- No need to clean the wound daily:
You must keep your wound clean daily by cleaning around it with water and soap and drying it immediately afterward.
- Avoiding water completely:
After 24–48 hours from stitching, you can expose the area to water but not directly on the stitches, and make sure to dry it immediately afterward if it gets wet.
Using myrrh for disinfection:
Myrrh is used in alternative medicine for superficial wounds, but using it to disinfect and clean surgical stitches after surgery may expose the wound to infections and complications. You should only use water, soap, and the ointment prescribed by your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How can you reduce scarring?
By following your doctor’s instructions and keeping the wound clean and dry, the wound heals properly. The appearance of the scar improves and fades depending on the type of stitches, the location and size of the wound, and other factors.
When should surgical stitches be removed?
