When to avoid activity with stitches

When to avoid activity with stitches

Introduction

This guide provides clear first aid and prevention advice for people in Canada about when to avoid activity with stitches. It is designed to help you care for minor wounds safely at home and prevent complications. This information is not a full medical training manual but offers practical steps to protect your health and support healing.

Stitches, also called sutures, help close cuts or surgical wounds. Proper care is essential to avoid infection, reopening, or delayed healing. Knowing which activities to avoid can reduce risks and promote recovery.

In this section, you will learn:

• Which activities are safe to do while you have stitches
• What actions you must avoid to protect the wound
• When to seek urgent medical care or call 911

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and watch for signs of infection or other problems. If you notice heavy bleeding, severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or any sudden changes, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

By understanding when to avoid activity with stitches, you can help your wound heal well and reduce the chance of complications. This advice supports safe recovery in your home environment without needing specialized equipment or training.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Key facts about when to avoid activity with stitches

• When to avoid activity with stitches depends on the location and type of wound. Avoid movements that stretch or put pressure on the stitched area.
• Keep the stitches clean and dry to prevent infection. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing if needed, especially when exposed to dirt or water.
• Do not pick at or scratch the stitches. This can cause the wound to reopen or become infected.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or soaking the stitched area until your healthcare provider confirms it is safe.
• Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain. If these occur, seek medical care promptly.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure, severe pain, or if the wound opens widely.
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about when you can safely resume normal activities and remove stitches.

Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

After getting stitches, it is important to watch for symptoms that show how well your wound is healing. Some signs are mild and can be managed safely at home, while others need urgent medical attention.

Mild symptoms

• Light redness or swelling around the stitches
• Mild tenderness or discomfort
• Small amounts of clear or slightly yellow fluid
• Minimal bruising near the wound

These symptoms are common and usually improve within a few days. You can care for your wound at home by keeping it clean and dry.

Moderate symptoms

• Increasing redness or swelling beyond the stitched area
• Moderate pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief
• Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
• Warmth around the wound
• Fever under 38.5°C (101.3°F)

If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider promptly. They may recommend an urgent visit to assess the wound and prevent infection.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes
• Severe pain that worsens quickly
• Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) or chills
• Red streaks spreading from the wound
• Swelling that causes loss of movement or numbness
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face

If you experience any of these severe symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.

When to avoid activity with stitches

It is important to avoid activities that strain or stretch the stitched area until your healthcare provider says it is safe. Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or any movement that causes pain or pulls on the stitches. Doing so helps prevent reopening the wound and reduces the risk of infection.

Immediate first aid steps

When you notice a wound with stitches, it is important to act carefully to prevent infection and promote healing. Follow these safe steps at home while waiting for professional care or if no urgent care is needed.

What you can do right away

• Keep the stitched area clean and dry. Gently pat around the stitches with a clean cloth if needed.
• Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria.
• Elevate the injured area if possible to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the package instructions.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching the stitched area.

When to avoid activity with stitches

When to avoid activity with stitches depends on the wound location and your healthcare provider’s advice. Generally, avoid strenuous movements or activities that stretch or put pressure on the stitched area. This helps prevent the stitches from opening or causing further injury.

What you must NOT do

• Do not soak the stitches in water, such as in a bath or swimming pool, until fully healed.
• Do not pick at or pull the stitches.
• Do not apply creams, ointments, or antiseptics unless your healthcare provider recommends them.
• Do not ignore signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or severe pain.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you notice heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure, signs of infection worsening quickly, severe pain, or if the stitched wound reopens. Prompt medical attention is essential in these cases.

What NOT to do

Knowing when to avoid activity with stitches is important to prevent complications and promote healing. Certain actions can cause the wound to reopen, become infected, or delay recovery. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the area safe.

Do NOT:

• Pick, scratch, or rub the stitches or surrounding skin. This can introduce bacteria and cause infection.
• Get the stitches wet before your healthcare provider says it is safe. Moisture can weaken the wound and increase infection risk.
• Apply creams, ointments, or powders unless your healthcare provider has recommended them.
• Engage in strenuous activities or heavy lifting that stretch or put pressure on the stitched area.
• Remove stitches yourself. Only a healthcare professional should do this to avoid injury or infection.
• Ignore signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or severe pain.

If you notice any of the following, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately:

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10 minutes
• Signs of severe infection, including fever over 38°C (100.4°F), spreading redness, or red streaks moving away from the wound
• Sudden severe pain or swelling
• Loss of sensation or movement near the stitched area

Following these guidelines helps ensure your stitches heal safely and reduces the risk of complications. When in doubt, seek urgent care or call emergency services.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or visit urgent care can prevent complications and ensure proper healing. If you have stitches, it is important to understand when to avoid activity with stitches and when to seek medical help.

Call 911 immediately if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
• Signs of shock, such as pale skin, rapid breathing, or weakness
• Severe pain that cannot be controlled with over-the-counter medication
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Loss of consciousness or confusion

Go to the emergency department or urgent care if you notice:

• Stitches that have come apart or the wound is reopening
• Signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increasing pain around the stitches
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) with a stitched wound
• Inability to move the affected area or numbness near the wound
• Any injury involving deep cuts, animal bites, or foreign objects in the wound

When to see your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic

If your wound is healing well but you have questions about care or need a stitch removal, contact your family doctor or a walk-in clinic. Avoid strenuous activity or anything that may strain the stitched area until your healthcare provider confirms it is safe.

Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial treatment of a wound with stitches, careful ongoing care is important to promote healing and prevent complications. Monitor the area daily for any changes or signs of infection.

Safe self-care at home

• Keep the stitched area clean and dry as advised by your healthcare provider.
• Gently wash around the stitches with mild soap and water if allowed, but avoid soaking the wound.
• Apply any prescribed ointments or dressings exactly as directed.
• Protect the area from further injury or irritation by avoiding tight clothing or pressure.
• Rest the affected part and avoid strenuous activity that may strain the stitches.

When to avoid activity with stitches

It is important to avoid activities that stretch, pull, or put pressure on the stitched area until your doctor confirms it is safe. This helps prevent the stitches from opening or causing further damage. If you experience increased pain, swelling, or bleeding during activity, stop immediately and seek medical advice.

When to seek medical follow-up

• Book a follow-up appointment as recommended, usually within 7 to 14 days, to have stitches removed or checked.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you notice redness spreading, pus, foul odour, or increased warmth around the wound.
• Watch for fever, chills, or worsening pain, which may indicate infection.
• If the wound reopens or bleeding does not stop, seek urgent care.

Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately if you experience severe bleeding that cannot be controlled, signs of a severe allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, or sudden severe pain.

Prevention tips

Preventing complications when you have stitches is important for healing well. Knowing when to avoid activity with stitches helps protect the wound from reopening or infection. Follow these practical strategies at home, work, school, and in the community to stay safe.

Safe habits at home

• Keep the stitched area clean and dry. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on wound care.
• Avoid soaking the wound in water, such as baths or swimming, until stitches are removed or fully healed.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not rub or put pressure on the stitches.
• Rest and limit movement that stretches or pulls the stitched skin.

When to avoid activity with stitches

Do not engage in activities that could strain or injure the stitched area. This includes heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or contact sports. Avoid bending or twisting motions that affect the wound site. Protect the area from dirt, sweat, and trauma to reduce infection risk.

Work, school, and community safety

• Inform your employer or school about your stitches so they can help you avoid risky tasks.
• Use protective coverings or dressings as advised to shield the wound during daily activities.
• Stay alert to your surroundings to prevent accidental bumps or falls.

If you notice increased redness, swelling, pus, severe pain, or if the stitches come apart, seek urgent care immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

FAQs

When should I avoid activity with stitches?

Avoid activities that stretch, pull, or put pressure on the stitched area. This helps prevent the stitches from opening or causing more injury. Generally, avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or contact sports until your healthcare provider says it is safe.

Can I get my stitches wet?

Keep stitches dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, you may gently clean the area with soap and water, but avoid soaking the wound in baths, pools, or hot tubs. Pat the area dry carefully to prevent irritation.

What signs mean I should seek urgent care?

• Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the stitches
• Severe pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief
• Drainage of pus or a foul smell from the wound
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F)
• Stitches coming apart or the wound reopening

If you notice any of these signs, go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre promptly.

Can I remove my stitches at home?

Do not remove stitches yourself. Removing stitches requires proper technique to avoid infection or reopening the wound. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend your follow-up appointment for safe removal.

How can I help my wound heal safely at home?

• Keep the wound clean and dry as advised
• Follow any instructions about dressings or ointments
• Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet to support healing
• Rest the affected area and avoid unnecessary movement

Summary

Knowing when to avoid activity with stitches is important to help your wound heal safely and prevent complications. At home, keep the stitched area clean and dry, and avoid movements or actions that stretch or put pressure on the wound. Do not pick at or remove stitches yourself. Instead, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for care and stitch removal.

Watch for signs of infection or other problems, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, warmth, pus, or bleeding that does not stop. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the wound opens, seek medical care promptly. Also, if you experience fever, chills, or spreading redness, contact your healthcare provider or go to urgent care.

Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you have heavy bleeding that won’t stop, severe pain, difficulty breathing, or any sudden, severe symptoms. In all cases, when in doubt about your wound or stitches, it is safer to get professional medical advice rather than delay care.

Additional resources

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

See also: [wound care basics]

See also: [how to prevent infection in wounds]

See also: [pain management for minor injuries]

See also: [when to seek emergency care]

See also: [safe exercise after injury]

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.