Sutured wound / Instructions for patient

Sutured wound should be kept dry and clean

• One can remove the dressing or bandage within a day after the procedure
• Surgical tape can be left on top of the wound until the stitches should be removed if it remains dry and clean. If the surgical tape gets dirty or there is a lot of bleeding under it, one can change it or cover the wound with a dressing – NOT with a band aid
• Interstitial fluid might emerge from the wound which is normal
• If the wound is dry and clean and there is no rubbing against it – it can be left without protection
• Clean, sutured would does not need any extra precautions by using antiseptic agents
• The wound and the surgical tape can tolerate light showering
• Going for a sauna, a swim or a bath is not recommended
• Sutured wound may be painful after the local anesthesia wears off. One can use painkillers that are free from prescription and available at the pharmacy
• Pain free activities are allowed. Follow the instructions provided by your physician. Avoid stretching, rubbing and disturbing the wound area until the stitches are removed.

Reasons to be in touch with your physician

• There is continuous bleeding from the wound
• There is pain, swelling, redness in the wound
• There is pus coming out of the wound
• There is temperature over 37,5 celsius
• The wound opens up after the removal of the stitches

Removal of the stitches

• After removal of the stitches the wound should be kept dry for 24 hours
• Removal of stitches is usually approx. 10 days before the suturation if priority doctor doesn’t say something else time.
• It is advised to support the wound with butterfly tapes after the stitches are removed especially if the wound is in a place where there is stretching of tissues around the wound
• It takes approximately 7 weeks before the skin has acquired its normal strength

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