Sutures (Stitches)
Sutures, or stitches, are the most commonly used method to fix a cut or wound. Other methods are skin adhesives or glue, Steri-Strips or butterfly bandages, or even leaving skin openings alone in some cases.
When applicable, sutures are used to close the wound. Suture material is classified as absorbable or nonabsorbable
- Absorbable sutures dissolve over time.
- Nonabsorbable sutures need to be removed within a time specified by your doctor.
When to Call the Doctor
Examine the wound with the suture daily during bandage changes. Look for signs or symptoms of infection:
- Increased pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Fever
- Drainage of pus or pus-like material
- Red streaking from the wound
- Separation of the wound
If you develop any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation. Your doctor may start you on antibiotics.
- You should also see your doctor for continued bleeding, for removal of sutures, and if the doctorwho placed the sutures recommends that your wound be checked (usually 2 days after placement of sutures).
- Call your doctor if your sutures fall out before your scheduled time for suture removal because your wound may open up, potentially causing a larger scar.
