When a stitched wound needs medical review

Dr. S. Langford December 24, 2025

When a stitched wound needs medical review

Introduction

This section provides clear first aid and prevention information about when a stitched wound needs medical review. It is designed for people in Canada who want to understand how to care for stitched wounds safely at home. This is not a full medical training manual but a practical guide to help you know what to do and When to seek professional help.

Stitched wounds occur when a cut or injury requires stitches to close the skin. Proper care is important to prevent infection and promote healing. Knowing the signs that a stitched wound needs medical review can help you avoid complications.

In this guide, you will learn:

What you can safely do at home to care for stitched wounds
What actions you should avoid to prevent harm
When to call 911 or visit the emergency department or urgent care

Always remember, if you notice severe bleeding, spreading redness, increasing pain, or other rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Prompt action can prevent serious problems.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts

When a stitched wound needs medical review, watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
Keep the stitched area clean and dry; gently clean around the wound with mild soap and water as advised by your healthcare provider.
Avoid soaking the wound in water, using harsh chemicals, or picking at the stitches to prevent reopening or infection.
Apply a clean, dry dressing if recommended, and change it regularly to protect the wound from dirt and bacteria.
Seek urgent care if you notice severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or if the wound reopens or bleeds heavily.
Call 911 immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, severe bleeding that does not stop, or signs of shock such as dizziness or confusion.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on stitch removal timing and wound care to promote safe healing.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

When a stitched wound needs medical review, it is important to understand the symptoms and signs that indicate the severity of the injury. Wounds can show mild, moderate, or severe symptoms, and knowing the difference helps you decide When to seek urgent care.

Mild symptoms

Mild symptoms usually include slight redness, minor swelling, and mild discomfort around the stitched area. These signs are common during the first few days of healing and can be managed safely at home with gentle cleaning and rest.

Moderate symptoms

Moderate symptoms may involve increased redness spreading beyond the wound, noticeable swelling, warmth, or tenderness. You might also see some discharge that is cloudy or yellowish. If these symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider for advice. Avoid applying any creams or ointments unless recommended by a professional.

Severe symptoms and red flags

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

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
Severe pain that worsens quickly
Signs of infection such as spreading redness, intense swelling, or pus with a foul smell
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or chills
Wound edges pulling apart or stitches coming loose
Difficulty moving the affected area or numbness

Always prioritise safety. If you are unsure about the wound’s condition or symptoms worsen, seek urgent medical care without delay.

Immediate first aid steps

When a stitched wound needs medical review, acting quickly and safely is important. You can take simple steps at home or in the community to reduce the risk of infection and support healing while waiting for professional care.

What you can do right away

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound or dressing.
Keep the stitched area clean and dry. If the dressing becomes wet or dirty, replace it with a clean, dry one.
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if there is bleeding, but avoid disturbing the stitches.
Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce swelling and bleeding.
Use over-the-counter pain relief like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the label instructions.

What to avoid

Do not remove stitches or try to clean inside the wound yourself.
Avoid applying creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Do not soak the wound in water, such as in a bath or swimming pool.
Do not ignore signs of infection or worsening symptoms.

When to seek urgent care or call 911

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

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
Signs of severe infection, such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever above 38°C (100.4°F).
Severe pain that does not improve with pain relief.
Loss of sensation, movement, or circulation in the injured area.
The wound reopens or stitches come apart.

For less urgent concerns, contact your healthcare provider or visit urgent care for a medical review of the stitched wound.

What NOT to do

When a stitched wound needs medical review, certain actions can make the injury worse or increase the risk of infection. Avoid these common mistakes to protect your health and promote proper healing.

Do NOT remove stitches yourself

Never try to pull out stitches at home. Removing stitches too early or improperly can reopen the wound and cause bleeding or infection. Only a healthcare professional should remove stitches.

Do NOT apply unapproved substances

Avoid putting creams, ointments, or home remedies on the stitched area unless your healthcare provider has recommended them. Some substances can irritate the wound or interfere with healing.

Do NOT soak or submerge the wound

Keep the stitched wound dry. Do not soak it in water, such as in a bath, hot tub, or swimming pool, until your healthcare provider says it is safe. Excess moisture can delay healing and increase infection risk.

Do NOT ignore signs of infection or complications

If you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, severe pain, or if the wound reopens, do not wait. These signs mean the wound needs prompt medical review. Call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care immediately.

When to call 911 or emergency services

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes
Signs of severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face
Sudden weakness, numbness, or confusion
Wound caused by a deep puncture or animal bite with worsening symptoms

In these cases, call 911 or your local emergency number without delay.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or visit urgent care can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. If you have a stitched wound, it is important to understand when medical review is necessary.

Call 911 immediately if:

The wound is bleeding heavily and does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes.
There are signs of severe infection such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, or pus accompanied by fever.
You experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden weakness, or loss of consciousness.
The injury involves a deep cut with exposed bone, muscle, or tendons.

Go to the emergency department if:

The stitched wound reopens or the stitches come out prematurely.
There is increasing pain, redness, or swelling around the wound after the first 48 hours.
You notice any unusual discharge or foul smell from the wound.
You have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years and the wound is dirty or caused by a rusty object.

Visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor when:

The wound is healing but you have questions about care or stitch removal timing.
You need a tetanus booster and the wound is minor.
There is mild redness or tenderness without other signs of infection.

When a stitched wound needs medical review, do not delay seeking care. Early attention helps prevent complications and supports proper healing.

Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of a stitched wound, proper care at home is essential to promote healing and prevent infection. Keep the wound clean and dry as much as possible. Follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider about changing dressings or applying ointments.

Monitor the wound daily for signs of delayed problems. These include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus or unusual discharge, and worsening pain. Mild redness and tenderness are normal at first, but these symptoms should improve over time.

When to book follow-up with a doctor

If stitches are not dissolvable, arrange to have them removed as advised, usually within 5 to 14 days depending on the wound location.
If you notice any signs of infection or if the wound reopens, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
If you experience fever, chills, or spreading redness beyond the wound area, seek medical advice without delay.

When a stitched wound needs medical review

It is important to know when a stitched wound requires medical review. Call your doctor or visit urgent care if you see any of the following:

Increasing pain or swelling after the first 48 hours
Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Red streaks spreading from the wound
Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
Wound edges pulling apart or stitches coming loose

For life-threatening symptoms such as severe bleeding that does not stop, difficulty breathing, or sudden weakness, call 911 immediately.

Prevention tips

Preventing wounds and ensuring proper care can reduce the need for medical review. At home, work, school, and in the community, simple habits and safety equipment help protect your skin and reduce injury risks.

Safe practices at home and work

Keep sharp objects like knives and scissors stored safely and out of reach of children.
Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and sturdy footwear when handling tools or working outdoors.
Maintain clear walkways to avoid trips and falls that can cause cuts or punctures.
Clean minor wounds gently with soap and water to prevent infection.

School and community safety

Encourage children to use playground equipment safely and under supervision.
Use helmets and protective pads when biking, skating, or playing contact sports.
Report and repair hazards like broken glass or sharp edges in public areas promptly.

When a stitched wound needs medical review

Monitor stitched wounds closely. Seek urgent medical care if you notice increasing redness, swelling, pus, severe pain, or if the wound reopens. Also, call 911 if you experience fever, spreading redness, or any signs of severe infection. Avoid removing stitches yourself or applying unapproved substances. When in doubt, it is safer to have a healthcare professional evaluate the wound promptly.

FAQs

When should I seek medical review for a stitched wound?

A stitched wound needs medical review if you notice increased redness, swelling, or pain around the area. Also, watch for pus or unusual discharge, a foul smell, or if the wound reopens. If you develop a fever or feel unwell, seek urgent care. These signs may indicate infection or other complications.

Can I clean a stitched wound at home?

Yes, gently clean the wound with mild soap and water once your healthcare provider says it is safe. Avoid scrubbing or soaking the wound. Pat it dry with a clean towel and keep it covered with a sterile dressing as advised.

What should I avoid doing with a stitched wound?

Do not pick at or pull the stitches.
Avoid applying creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Do not expose the wound to dirt, water from pools, lakes, or hot tubs.
Avoid strenuous activities that may stretch or reopen the wound.

When is it necessary to call 911 or go to the emergency department?

Call 911 immediately if you experience heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, severe pain, numbness, or if the wound is deep and caused by a dirty or rusty object. Also, seek emergency care if you have difficulty moving the affected area or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Summary

When a stitched wound needs medical review, it is important to watch for signs of infection or complications. At home, keep the wound clean and dry, and avoid touching or picking at the stitches. Do not remove stitches yourself. If you notice increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or if the wound reopens, seek medical care promptly.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you experience any of the following:

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
Severe pain that worsens quickly
Signs of shock such as dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing
Loss of sensation or movement near the wound
Any difficulty breathing or chest pain

For non-emergency concerns, visit an urgent care centre or your healthcare provider to have the wound assessed. Prompt medical review helps prevent complications and supports proper healing. Always prioritise safety and do not delay seeking professional care when needed.

When a stitched wound needs medical review

When a stitched wound needs medical review

Introduction

Key facts