Is redness around stitches normal

Dr. S. Langford December 24, 2025

Is redness around stitches normal

Introduction

This section provides first aid and prevention information about wound care for the general public in Canada. It focuses on common concerns such as Is redness around stitches normal. This guidance is meant to help you understand what to expect and how to care for stitches safely at home. It is not a substitute for full medical training or professional advice.

Knowing how to manage stitches properly can reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. You will find clear advice on what actions are safe to take yourself, what you should avoid, and When to seek urgent medical help.

Remember, if you notice any signs of severe infection, spreading redness, intense pain, or other rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Safe home care steps for stitches
Actions to avoid to prevent complications
When to contact emergency or urgent care services

By following these guidelines, you can support your recovery while keeping safety as the top priority.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts

Is redness around stitches normal? Mild redness and slight swelling near stitches can be a normal part of healing.
Redness that spreads, worsens, or is accompanied by warmth, pain, or pus may signal infection and requires prompt medical attention.
Keep the stitched area clean and dry. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for wound care to prevent infection.
Avoid touching or scratching the stitches, and do not remove them yourself unless advised by a healthcare professional.
If you notice fever, increasing pain, or red streaks spreading from the wound, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Protect the wound from dirt and injury by covering it with a sterile dressing as recommended.
Seek urgent care if stitches come loose or if bleeding does not stop after applying gentle pressure for 10 minutes.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

After getting stitches, it is normal to notice some redness around the wound. But is redness around stitches normal in all cases? Understanding the difference between mild, moderate, and severe symptoms can help you decide when to manage care at home and when to seek urgent help.

Mild symptoms

Light redness or slight swelling near the stitches
Mild tenderness or discomfort
Small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid
Minimal warmth around the area

These symptoms usually improve within a few days. You can safely clean the area gently and keep it dry as advised.

Moderate symptoms

Increasing redness or swelling spreading beyond the stitches
Moderate pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief
Thick yellow or green discharge
Fever under 38.5°C (101.3°F)

If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice. Avoid applying any creams or ointments unless recommended.

Severe symptoms and red flags

Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Severe pain or increasing tenderness
High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
Red streaks extending from the wound
Wound opening or stitches coming apart
Difficulty moving the affected area or numbness

These signs suggest a serious infection or complication. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Immediate first aid steps

If you notice redness around stitches, it is important to act carefully and promptly. Some redness is normal as part of healing, but you must watch for signs of infection or worsening symptoms.

What you can do safely at home

Keep the stitched area clean and dry. Gently wash around it with mild soap and water, avoiding scrubbing the stitches directly.
Apply a clean, dry dressing if advised by your healthcare provider. Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Use over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed on the label to ease pain.

What to avoid

Do not pick at or pull the stitches.
Avoid applying creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless your healthcare provider has recommended them.
Do not soak the wound in water, such as in a bath or swimming pool, until it is fully healed.

When to seek urgent care or call 911

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you notice:

Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the stitches.
Severe pain that does not improve with pain relief.
Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or chills.
Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound.
Bleeding that will not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes.
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or rash.

Remember, if you are ever unsure about the condition of stitches or the wound, it is safer to seek professional medical advice promptly.

What NOT to do

When caring for stitches, it is important to avoid actions that can cause harm or delay healing. Understanding what NOT to do helps prevent complications and ensures a safer recovery.

Avoid these common mistakes

Do not pick at or pull on the stitches. This can reopen the wound and increase the risk of infection.
Do not apply creams, ointments, or powders unless your healthcare provider has specifically recommended them.
Do not soak the stitched area in water, such as in a bath or swimming pool, until the stitches are removed or your provider says it is safe.
Do not cover the wound with airtight dressings or plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth.
Do not ignore signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

Myths to avoid

Is redness around stitches normal? Mild redness close to the wound can be normal, but spreading redness or red streaks are warning signs and should not be ignored.
Do not assume that pain or swelling will always improve on its own. Persistent or worsening symptoms need medical attention.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice any of the following:

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
Signs of severe infection, such as fever over 38°C (100.4°F), chills, or spreading redness
Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication
Wound edges that separate widely or stitches that come out prematurely

For less urgent concerns, contact your healthcare provider or visit urgent care. Avoid delaying care if you are unsure about the severity of symptoms.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911, visit the emergency department, or see a family doctor can protect your health and prevent complications. If you notice redness around stitches, it is important to understand what is normal and what needs urgent attention.

Call 911 immediately if you experience:

Severe bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or sudden weakness
Severe pain that worsens quickly or sudden numbness or weakness in any part of the body
High fever over 39°C (102°F) with chills, especially if the redness around stitches spreads rapidly

Go to the emergency department if you notice:

Redness around stitches that is increasing, spreading, or accompanied by warmth and swelling
Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
Stitches that have come apart or a wound that reopens
Severe swelling or pain that does not improve with home care

See a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic when:

Redness around stitches is mild and stable without other symptoms
You have mild pain that improves with over-the-counter pain relievers
You need advice on wound care or stitch removal
You have questions about normal healing or signs of infection

Remember, if you are ever unsure about the seriousness of your symptoms, it is safer to seek urgent care or call 911. Prompt attention can prevent complications and support proper healing.

Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of a wound with stitches, ongoing care is important to promote healing and prevent infection. You can safely manage most aspects of care at home by keeping the area clean and dry, but you must watch closely for any signs that need medical attention.

Monitoring your wound

Check the stitched area daily for changes. Mild redness and slight swelling around the stitches can be normal as part of healing. However, if you wonder, “Is redness around stitches normal?” remember that redness should not spread or worsen significantly.

Keep the wound clean and dry as advised by your healthcare provider.
Avoid touching or scratching the stitches to reduce infection risk.
Look for increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a bad smell.
Note any new or worsening pain or fever.

When to seek medical advice

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor if you notice any signs of infection or if the wound does not seem to be healing. Also, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when to have stitches removed.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:

Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Severe pain that does not improve
High fever or chills
Bleeding that won’t stop
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face

By carefully monitoring your wound and following these guidelines, you can support safe healing and know when urgent care is necessary.

Prevention tips

Preventing infection and complications around stitches starts with good habits at home, work, school, and in the community. Understanding what is safe to do and what to avoid helps protect your skin and promote healing.

Safe practices at home

Keep the stitched area clean and dry. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when and how to gently clean the wound.
Cover stitches with a sterile bandage if advised, especially when exposed to dirt or water.
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the stitched area to reduce infection risk.
Avoid scratching or picking at the stitches, even if the skin feels itchy or irritated.

What to avoid

Do not apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless your healthcare provider recommends them.
Avoid soaking the wound in baths, pools, or hot tubs until stitches are removed or fully healed.
Do not remove stitches yourself; wait for a healthcare professional to do so.
Refrain from strenuous activities that may stretch or reopen the wound.

When to seek medical help

Is redness around stitches normal? Mild redness and slight swelling can be normal during healing. However, call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice:

Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
Severe pain that worsens quickly
Pus or foul-smelling discharge
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
Stitches coming apart or deep bleeding

If symptoms are less severe but you are concerned, visit urgent care or contact your healthcare provider promptly. Early attention can prevent complications and support safe healing.

FAQs

Is redness around stitches normal?

Mild redness around stitches is common during the first few days as part of the healing process. The area may also feel slightly warm and tender. However, if the redness spreads, becomes very painful, or is accompanied by swelling, pus, or fever, these signs may indicate an infection. In such cases, seek medical attention promptly.

Can I get stitches wet?

Keep stitches dry for the first 24 to 48 hours to help the wound start healing. After that, you can gently clean the area with soap and water, but avoid soaking the wound. Pat the area dry carefully. Avoid swimming or hot tubs until the stitches are removed or your healthcare provider says it is safe.

What should I avoid doing with stitches?

Do not pick at or pull the stitches.
Avoid strenuous activities that may stretch or reopen the wound.
Do not apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless advised by a healthcare professional.

When should I call 911 or go to urgent care?

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, signs of severe infection such as spreading redness, high fever, or if the wound opens widely. For less urgent concerns like mild redness or discomfort, contact your healthcare provider or visit urgent care.

Summary

Is redness around stitches normal? Some redness near a fresh stitch site can be a normal part of healing. However, it is important to watch for signs that suggest infection or other complications. Mild redness with no swelling, pain, or discharge may be safe to monitor at home.

What you can do safely at home:

Keep the area clean and dry as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Avoid touching or scratching the stitches to prevent irritation or infection.
Follow any wound care advice given, such as gentle cleaning with soap and water.

What you must avoid:

Do not apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Avoid soaking the stitches in water, such as in baths or swimming pools.
Do not remove stitches yourself.

When to seek medical help:

If redness spreads, worsens, or is accompanied by increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or pus.
If you develop a fever or feel unwell.
If the wound reopens or bleeding does not stop.
For any life-threatening symptoms or rapidly worsening condition, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, contact your healthcare provider or visit urgent care to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

Is redness around stitches normal

Is redness around stitches normal

Introduction

Key facts