When stitches might need replacement

When stitches might need replacement

Introduction

This section provides first aid and prevention information about when stitches might need replacement. It is designed for the general public in Canada and focuses on safe, practical advice you can use at home. This is not a full medical training manual, but a guide to help you understand basic care and When to seek professional help.

Stitches, also called sutures, help wounds heal by holding the skin together. Sometimes, stitches may need to be replaced if they do not heal properly or if complications arise. Knowing the signs and what to do can prevent infections and other problems.

At home, you can safely:

• Keep the stitched area clean and dry as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
• Avoid touching or pulling on the stitches.

You should avoid:

• Trying to remove or replace stitches yourself.
• Applying creams, ointments, or other substances without medical advice.
• Ignoring worsening symptoms or severe pain.

If you notice heavy bleeding, spreading redness, severe pain, fever, or if the wound opens, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre immediately. Prompt professional care is essential in these cases.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts

• When stitches might need replacement depends on how well the wound is healing and if the stitches are causing problems.
• Keep the stitched area clean and dry to prevent infection; follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Avoid picking at or pulling on stitches, as this can delay healing or cause the wound to reopen.
• Signs that stitches might need replacement include redness, swelling, increased pain, pus or discharge, or if the stitches break or come loose.
• If you notice any signs of infection or if the wound reopens, seek medical care promptly-do not try to fix stitches yourself.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, numbness, or if the wound is deep and gaping.
• Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important to ensure stitches are removed or replaced safely and at the right time.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Knowing how to recognize symptoms and danger signs after an injury can help you decide when to manage care at home and when to seek urgent help. Mild symptoms usually include minor pain, slight swelling, and small amounts of bleeding that stop quickly. These can often be treated safely at home with basic first aid.

Moderate symptoms may involve increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the wound. You might notice some oozing or bleeding that does not stop easily. In these cases, it is important to monitor the injury closely and avoid activities that could worsen it.

Severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. These include heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, severe pain, numbness, or loss of movement near the injury. If you see signs of infection such as spreading redness, pus, fever, or chills, seek urgent care promptly.

When stitches might need replacement

Stitches usually dissolve or are removed within a set time frame. However, if you notice the wound reopening, increased pain, swelling, or discharge, the stitches might need replacement. Do not attempt to fix or replace stitches yourself. Instead, contact your healthcare provider or visit urgent care for evaluation.

Red flags that suggest an emergency

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe pain not relieved by over-the-counter medication
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of movement near the injury
• Signs of infection: spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or chills
• Wound reopening or stitches coming apart

If you experience any of these red flags, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. When in doubt, it is safer to seek professional care rather than delay treatment.

Immediate first aid steps

If you have a cut or wound, acting quickly and safely can reduce the risk of infection and complications. Follow these steps while waiting for professional help or deciding if further care is needed.

What you can do at home

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound.
• Gently clean the wound with clean water to remove dirt or debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol directly on the wound, as they can delay healing.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. Keep pressure steady for several minutes.
• Once bleeding slows or stops, cover the wound with a sterile dressing or clean cloth to protect it from contamination.
• Keep the injured area elevated if possible to reduce swelling and bleeding.

What to avoid

• Do not try to remove deeply embedded objects or debris yourself.
• Avoid applying ointments, creams, or adhesive bandages directly on deep or large wounds without medical advice.
• Do not delay seeking care if the wound is deep, gaping, or if stitches might need replacement.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

• If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
• If the wound is deep, large, or the edges are widely separated.
• If you notice signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever.
• If the wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object and your tetanus vaccination is not up to date.
• If stitches might need replacement because they have come loose, the wound has reopened, or there is increased pain or swelling.
• If you experience numbness, weakness, or loss of movement near the injury.

Remember, when in doubt, it is safer to seek professional medical care promptly.

What NOT to do

When stitches might need replacement, it is important to avoid actions that can cause harm or delay healing. Some common mistakes and unsafe practices can worsen the wound or increase the risk of infection.

Avoid these actions at home:

• Do not pick at or pull on the stitches. This can reopen the wound and cause bleeding or infection.
• Do not apply ointments, creams, 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 the stitches are removed or fully healed.
• Do not cover the wound with tight or non-breathable dressings that trap moisture and bacteria.
• Do not ignore signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain.

When to seek urgent care or call 911:

• If the wound reopens and bleeding does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes, call 911 immediately.
• If you notice spreading redness, fever, or severe pain, go to the emergency department or urgent care promptly.
• If the stitches appear loose, broken, or missing and the wound looks deep or gaping, seek medical attention without delay.
• If you experience numbness, loss of movement, or severe swelling near the stitched area, call 911 or get urgent care.

Following these guidelines helps ensure safe healing and reduces complications when stitches might need replacement. Always contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure about your wound care or notice any concerning changes.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care can protect your health and prevent complications. Call 911 immediately if the injury causes heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes, if there is severe pain, signs of shock, difficulty breathing, or if the wound is deep and caused by a serious accident.

Go to the emergency department if the wound is large, gaping, or if you suspect that stitches might need replacement. Other reasons to visit the emergency department include wounds with dirt or debris that cannot be cleaned at home, animal or human bites, or if you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years and the wound is at risk of infection.

For less urgent wounds, a walk-in clinic or your family doctor can assess the injury. This is appropriate if the bleeding has stopped, the wound is small and clean, and there are no signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus. Your healthcare provider can also advise if stitches need to be replaced or if other treatments are necessary.

Summary of when to seek care

• Call 911: Heavy bleeding, severe pain, shock, breathing difficulty, serious accidents
• Emergency department: Large or deep wounds, possible need for stitch replacement, contaminated wounds, animal bites, tetanus risk
• Walk-in clinic or family doctor: Small, clean wounds with stopped bleeding, no infection signs, follow-up care

Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of a wound, proper ongoing care is essential to promote healing and prevent complications. Monitor the injury closely for any changes or signs of infection. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider.

What you can do at home

• Gently clean the wound daily with mild soap and water, unless otherwise advised.
• Apply a clean, dry dressing to protect the area and change it as needed.
• Avoid soaking the wound in water, such as in baths or swimming pools, until it has healed.
• Keep the injured part elevated if possible to reduce swelling.
• Watch for delayed warning signs like increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain.

What to avoid

• Do not remove stitches on your own; this should be done by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid applying creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless recommended by your doctor.
• Do not ignore signs of infection or worsening symptoms.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with your doctor as advised, usually within 5 to 14 days, to assess healing and discuss when stitches might need replacement. Contact your healthcare provider sooner if you notice:

• Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound
• Foul-smelling discharge or pus
• Fever or chills
• Severe pain that does not improve
• Stitches coming loose or the wound reopening

If you experience life-threatening symptoms such as heavy bleeding that does not stop, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

Prevention tips

Preventing injuries that might require stitches is important at home, work, school, and in the community. Simple safety habits and using proper equipment can reduce the risk of cuts and wounds. Knowing when stitches might need replacement also helps avoid complications.

At home

• Keep sharp objects like knives and scissors stored safely out of reach of children.
• Use protective gloves when handling glass, metal, or other sharp materials.
• Clean up spills promptly to prevent slips and falls that could cause cuts.
• Maintain good lighting in work and cooking areas to avoid accidents.

At work and school

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, or helmets.
• Follow safety protocols for handling tools and machinery.
• Report and fix hazards like broken glass or exposed sharp edges immediately.
• Encourage regular safety training and awareness.

In the community

• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals to avoid falls or collisions.
• Wear proper footwear to prevent slips on uneven or wet surfaces.
• Be cautious around playground equipment and sports gear.

If you have stitches, keep the area clean and dry. Avoid picking at or pulling the stitches. Watch for signs that stitches might need replacement, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or if the wound reopens. If you notice these signs or if the wound does not heal properly, seek medical advice promptly.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure, severe pain, numbness, or signs of infection like fever and spreading redness.

FAQs

When might stitches need replacement?

Stitches usually do not need replacement if the wound is healing well. However, if the stitches break, come loose, or the wound reopens, you should seek medical advice promptly. Never try to replace stitches yourself.

Can I remove stitches at home?

It is safest to have stitches removed by a healthcare professional. Removing stitches too early or incorrectly can cause infection or poor healing. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on when to return for removal.

What should I do if my wound becomes red or swollen?

Redness, swelling, warmth, or increasing pain around a wound may signal infection. Keep the area clean and dry, but if symptoms worsen or you develop fever, call your healthcare provider or go to urgent care.

Is it safe to get a wound wet with stitches?

Keep stitched wounds dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, you may gently clean the area with soap and water, but avoid soaking or scrubbing. Pat the area dry carefully.

When should I call 911 or go to the emergency department?

• If bleeding does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
• If you experience severe pain, numbness, or loss of movement near the wound
• If the wound is deep, large, or caused by a dirty or rusty object
• If you have signs of severe infection such as spreading redness, fever, or chills

Summary

Knowing when stitches might need replacement is important for proper wound care and healing. At home, keep the area clean and dry, and avoid picking at or pulling the stitches. Watch for signs like increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, which may indicate infection or other problems.

Do not attempt to remove or replace stitches yourself. If you notice any unusual changes or if the wound reopens, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They can assess whether the stitches need to be replaced or if other treatment is necessary.

Seek urgent medical care or go to the emergency department if you experience severe bleeding, intense pain, spreading redness, fever, or if the wound is deep and not healing properly. In life-threatening situations or if symptoms worsen rapidly, call 911 or your local emergency number without delay.

Remember, timely medical attention helps prevent complications and supports faster recovery. When in doubt, it is always safer to consult a healthcare professional rather than delay care.

Related topics

• See also: How to care for stitches at home
• See also: Signs of wound infection
• See also: When to seek emergency care for cuts and wounds
• See also: Preventing common household injuries
• See also: Tetanus vaccination and wound care

External resources

• Health Canada
• Mayo Clinic
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Canadian Red Cross

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.