When stitches leave raised scars
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When stitches leave raised scars
Introduction
This guide provides clear first aid and prevention advice for people in Canada about when stitches leave raised scars. It is designed for the general public and focuses on safe, practical steps you can take at home. This information is not a full medical training manual but aims to help you understand basic care and when to seek professional help.
Stitches are often needed to close wounds and help them heal properly. However, sometimes scars can become raised, which may cause discomfort or concern. Knowing how to care for your wound and what to avoid can reduce the chance of raised scars forming.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What you can safely do at home to support healing
- What actions to avoid to prevent complications
- When to call 911 or visit an emergency department or urgent care
Always remember, if you notice signs of infection, severe pain, heavy bleeding, or if the wound worsens quickly, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Prompt action can prevent serious problems.
Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.
Key facts about when stitches leave raised scars
- When stitches leave raised scars, it is often due to the body’s natural healing response, which can cause excess scar tissue to form.
- Keeping the wound clean and dry at home helps prevent infection and supports better healing.
- Avoid picking at scabs or removing stitches early, as this can increase the risk of raised scars and infection.
- Protect the healing skin from sun exposure by covering the area or using sunscreen once the wound has closed, to reduce scar darkening.
- If you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain, seek urgent care or visit an emergency department.
- Call 911 immediately if you experience severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and reduce the chance of raised scars.
Recognizing symptoms and danger signs when stitches leave raised scars
When stitches leave raised scars, it is important to monitor the healing process carefully. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and knowing the difference helps you decide when to manage at home or seek urgent care.
Mild symptoms
- Light redness around the stitches
- Mild swelling or tenderness
- Small amount of clear or slightly yellow fluid
- Itching as the wound heals
These symptoms are common and usually improve with gentle care at home. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid scratching or picking at the stitches.
Moderate symptoms
- Increased redness spreading beyond the wound
- Swelling that does not reduce or worsens
- Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
- Persistent pain or tenderness
- Raised scars that become hard or painful
If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend treatment to prevent infection or reduce scarring.
Severe symptoms and red flags
- Rapidly spreading redness or swelling
- Severe pain that worsens quickly
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Prompt treatment is critical to prevent serious complications.
Immediate first aid steps when stitches leave raised scars
If you notice that stitches leave raised scars, it is important to act carefully to support healing and reduce further skin damage. You can take several safe steps at home while waiting for professional advice or care.
Clean the area gently
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound. Use mild soap and water to clean around the stitches gently. Avoid scrubbing the wound itself to prevent irritation.
Protect the wound
- Keep the stitched area covered with a clean, dry bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
- Change the dressing daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Avoid applying creams, ointments, or powders unless your healthcare provider has recommended them.
Minimise tension on the wound
Try to limit movement that stretches the stitched skin. This helps prevent the stitches from pulling apart and may reduce raised scar formation.
What to avoid
- Do not pick at or scratch the stitches or scabs.
- Avoid soaking the wound in water, such as in baths or swimming pools, until it is fully healed.
- Do not remove stitches yourself; wait for your healthcare provider to do so.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice signs of infection like increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or if you develop a fever. Also seek urgent care if the wound reopens, bleeding does not stop, or if you experience severe pain.
What NOT to do when stitches leave raised scars
Certain actions can make the problem worse. Avoid these common mistakes to help your skin heal safely and reduce scarring.
Do NOT pick or scratch the stitches
Picking at stitches or scratching the wound can cause irritation, infection, and increase the chance of raised scars. Keep the area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.
Do NOT apply harsh or unapproved substances
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or other strong chemicals on the wound unless directed by a healthcare professional. These can delay healing and worsen scarring.
Do NOT expose the wound to direct sunlight
Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Keep the stitched area covered or use a broad-spectrum sunscreen once the wound has fully closed.
Do NOT remove stitches early or delay removal
- Removing stitches too soon can cause the wound to reopen and scar badly.
- Leaving stitches in too long may increase scarring and infection risk.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when to have stitches removed.
When to seek urgent care
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice severe pain, spreading redness, swelling, pus, fever, or if the wound reopens significantly. These signs may indicate infection or other complications requiring immediate treatment.
When to call 911 or seek urgent care for wounds and raised scars
Knowing when to call 911 or visit urgent care can prevent complications, especially if you are concerned about wounds and when stitches leave raised scars. Follow these guidelines to keep yourself safe and get the right care.
Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
- Signs of shock, such as pale, clammy skin, rapid breathing, or weakness
- Deep wounds with exposed bone, muscle, or tendons
- Severe pain or loss of movement in the injured area
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Any injury caused by a serious accident, such as a car crash or fall from height
Visit the emergency department if you notice:
- Wounds that may need stitches and are more than 1 cm long or deep
- Signs of infection, including increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
- Wounds with foreign objects embedded that you cannot safely remove
- Concerns about when stitches leave raised scars, especially if the wound edges do not align well
- Injuries to the face, hands, feet, or joints
See a walk-in clinic or family doctor for:
- Minor cuts or scrapes that are clean and stop bleeding quickly
- Follow-up care for stitches or wound dressings
- Advice on scar care and prevention after stitches are removed
- Non-urgent concerns about healing or raised scars
Always avoid trying to close deep wounds yourself or removing stitches early. If you are unsure about the severity of a wound or how to care for it, seek professional medical advice promptly. Prioritizing timely care helps reduce the risk of complications and improves healing outcomes.
Ongoing care and follow-up after stitches
After the initial treatment of a wound, proper ongoing care is essential to promote healing and reduce complications. Monitor the area closely for any changes and follow simple self-care steps at home.
Monitoring and self-care at home
- Keep the wound clean and dry as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus.
- Avoid picking at scabs or stitches to prevent reopening the wound or causing scars.
- Protect the area from sun exposure to reduce the risk of raised scars.
- Follow any instructions about changing dressings or applying ointments carefully.
When to book follow-up with a doctor
Schedule a follow-up appointment if your healthcare provider recommended it or if you notice any of the following:
- The wound is not healing as expected after several days.
- Stitches are causing discomfort or appear to be pulling apart.
- Signs of infection develop or worsen.
- You have concerns about when stitches leave raised scars or how the wound is healing.
When to seek urgent care or call 911
Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure.
- Severe pain that is not relieved by over-the-counter medication.
- Signs of spreading infection such as red streaks, fever, or chills.
- Any sudden changes in consciousness, breathing, or severe allergic reactions.
Prevention tips to reduce raised scars from stitches
Preventing injuries that require stitches can reduce the risk of raised scars. Simple safety habits at home, work, school, and in the community help protect your skin and promote better healing.
Safe practices at home and work
- Keep sharp objects like knives, scissors, and tools stored safely and out of reach of children.
- Wear protective gloves when handling rough or sharp materials.
- Use non-slip mats and keep floors clear of clutter to avoid falls and cuts.
- Clean minor cuts gently with soap and water, then cover with a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
School and community safety
- Encourage children to wear helmets and protective gear during sports and outdoor activities.
- Teach safe handling of playground equipment and caution around sharp edges.
- Report and repair hazards like broken glass or sharp objects in public areas promptly.
When stitches leave raised scars
Raised scars can develop if wounds are not cared for properly. To reduce this risk, avoid picking at scabs or reopening wounds. Keep the area clean and protected. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, seek medical care promptly.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding that won’t stop, deep wounds with exposed tissue, or signs of severe infection such as fever and spreading redness.
FAQs
When do stitches leave raised scars?
Raised scars can form if stitches cause extra tension on the skin or if the wound becomes inflamed. Healing varies by skin type, wound location, and care. Keeping the area clean and protected helps reduce this risk.
What can I safely do at home to care for stitches?
- Keep the wound clean and dry as advised by your healthcare provider.
- Gently wash around the stitches with mild soap and water after 24 hours, unless told otherwise.
- Apply a clean, dry dressing if recommended to protect the area.
- Avoid picking at or scratching the stitches.
- Follow any instructions about ointments or creams given by your healthcare provider.
What should I avoid doing while stitches are healing?
- Do not soak the wound in water (no swimming or baths) until stitches are removed or healed.
- Avoid strenuous activities that stretch or put pressure on the stitched area.
- Do not remove stitches yourself unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
- Avoid applying unapproved creams or home remedies that may irritate the skin.
When should I call 911 or seek 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 infection such as spreading redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
- Severe pain, numbness, or loss of movement near the wound.
- Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) with wound symptoms.
Can raised scars be prevented after stitches?
While not all raised scars can be prevented, you can reduce the chance by protecting the wound from sun exposure, avoiding tension on the skin, and following proper wound care. If you are concerned about scarring, discuss options with your healthcare provider after the wound has healed.
Summary
When stitches leave raised scars, it is important to care for the wound properly to support healing and reduce scarring. At home, keep the area clean and dry, avoid picking at scabs or stitches, and protect the skin from sun exposure. Do not apply any creams or treatments unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain. If these occur, seek medical attention promptly. Also, if the scar becomes painful, grows rapidly, or changes colour, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Always call 911 or your local emergency number if you experience severe bleeding that does not stop with pressure, difficulty breathing, or any other life-threatening symptoms. For non-emergency concerns about scars or wound healing, visit your family doctor or an urgent care centre.
Remember, early and proper care can help reduce the chance of raised scars. When in doubt, it is safer to get professional advice rather than delay treatment.
External resources
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.
