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A cut that needs stitches may feel like a quick fix, but healing continues long after you leave urgent care. Whether you cut your finger while cooking, scraped your knee during a fall or experienced another minor injury, the way you care for your stitches at home can make a major difference.
“Good wound care helps the skin heal properly, lowers the risk of infection and may reduce scarring,” said Chad Richmond, D.O., an urgent care physician with Inspira Health. Follow your care team’s instructions first, and use these general tips to help protect your wound as it heals.
Keep the Stitched Area Clean and Dry at First
For the first 24 hours after your visit, keep the stitched area covered and dry unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Avoid getting the bandage wet while showering, washing dishes or doing activities that could expose the wound to water.
If you’ll be near water, cover the area with a waterproof bandage or wrap to help keep it dry. Try not to soak the wound, and change the bandage if it gets wet or dirty.
Wash the Wound Gently
“After the first day, gentle cleaning can help prevent infection,” said Dr. Richmond. “Wash your hands before touching the area, and use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean around the stitches once or twice a day, or as directed by your doctor.”
When you’re done, pat the area dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub it. Unless your care team tells you otherwise, skip hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol and harsh cleansers, which can irritate healing skin.
Change the Dressing as Directed
A clean dressing helps prevent dirt and bacteria from entering the wound. Change the bandage whenever it becomes wet, dirty or loose. You should also follow any timeline your urgent care clinician provided.
Before and after changing the dressing, wash your hands thoroughly. If an antibiotic ointment was recommended during your visit, apply only a thin layer before covering the wound with a fresh bandage.
Avoid Pulling or Stretching the Stitches
“Stitches work best when the wound tissue edges stay together and well approximated", said Dr Richmond. "Try not to stretch, bend or twist the skin around the injured area more than necessary. "
If the cut is on your hand, wrist or arm, avoid heavy lifting and repetitive motion until your doctor says it is safe. If the wound is on your leg or foot, elevate the area whenever possible to help reduce swelling and pressure.
Skip Swimming, Baths and Hot Tubs
Standing water can expose your wound to bacteria and soften the skin around the stitches. Quick showers are usually fine after the first 24 hours, but avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and long soaks until your stitches are removed or fully dissolved.
Watch for Signs of Infection
“Some mild redness, swelling or tenderness around the wound can be normal during the first few days,” said Dr. Richmond. “Call your care team or return to urgent care if you notice redness spreading, warmth around the wound, increased pain, yellow or green drainage, a foul odor or fever, which can all point to an infection.”
You should also seek care if a stitch comes loose, the wound opens or bleeding does not stop with gentle pressure.
Protect Healing Skin From the Sun
New skin is sensitive and can burn easily. Once the wound has closed, protect the area with clothing or use a fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Too much sun exposure during healing can make scars darker or more noticeable.
Keep your follow-up appointment
Most stitches need to be removed within seven to 14 days, depending on where they are located and how the wound is healing. Keeping your follow-up appointment allows your care team to check the area, remove stitches safely and answer any questions.
Healing takes time, but small steps each day can help your wound recover well. If something does not look or feel right, do not wait it out. Inspira Urgent Care teams can check your wound, replace your dressing and help you feel confident about your recovery.
