This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E).
You have been seen today by a doctor or clinician. You have been diagnosed with an injury which requires sutures/stitches.
Your wound has been cleaned and sutured with expertise and care. It is now up to you to continue this care.
Below are a few questions which you may need answering to help you to recover.
What are sutures (stitches)?
Sutures, also called stitches, are made from fibres like nylon or silk. Their sole purpose is to hold the skin from an open wound together to allow the skin to heal. When the skin is healed the sutures will be removed.
Should I keep my stitches covered?
Depending on the location of the stitches, the wound will be dressed by the clinician or healthcare worker. Head and facial wounds will likely be left clean and dry.
Can I get my stitches wet?
No, you should keep your stitches dry whenever possible. If they do get wet, dry them as soon as possible with a clean paper towel which will dry up the moisture.
When will my stitches be removed?
This will depend on where your wound is situated on the body, further advice will be provided by the clinician or healthcare worker.
Never exceed the time advised as this may cause irritation and infection to the skin.
Who will remove my stitches?
A suture removal service is provided by local treatment rooms.
A referral will be made on your behalf by the clinician or healthcare worker. You may be given a contact number to ring or alternatively the treatment room will contact you.
You will be advised on this depending on the area you live in.
Time guide for removal of sutures:
- Head and scalp - 7 Days
- Face - 5 Days
- Arms, legs, hands, fingers - 7 to 10 Days
- Over joints - 10 to 14 Days
- Back - 10 to 14 Days
- Any other area of the body - 7 to 10 Days
You will be advised on the removal time for your sutures.
Can I go to work?
You will be advised by a healthcare professional whether you can work or not.
If you work in a workplace that could cause more harm or involving food hygiene, then you should not work until fully healed.
What if the stitches burst?
If you are concerned, return to your nearest A&E Department.
Will I have a scar?
Yes, you will likely be left with a scar or a mark, this is impossible to predict.
Healed wounds are always red and more obvious at first but this will settle in time.
Can I swim or play sports?
No, any physical exercise or moisture may delay your wounds healing process. Children should avoid PE at school.
When should I seek advice?
It is normal for your wound to ooze slightly at first.
If you develop any of the symptoms below return to A&E or see your GP:
- If the discharge becomes worse, discoloured, or foul smelling.
- If the wound becomes increasingly irritating.
- If you develop heat, redness, swelling or pain around the area.
- If you feel unwell, shivery, or shaky.
- If you develop a temperature above 38.0 °C
The above could indicate that you are developing an infection.
Further advice
- Do not apply any creams or make up to the wound area while you have your stitches in place
- Protect the healed wound from sunlight for 6 to 12 months after it has healed. Your skin is vulnerable at this time, use sun block
If you have any concerns please contact the Emergency department for further advice on 0161 627 8926.
The Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL1 2JH.
Date of Review: February 2024
Date of Next Review: February 2026
Ref No: PI_M_738 (Oldham)