Here are suggestions on caring for stitches, courtesy of the American Academy of Family Physicians:
- Keep the stitches clean and dry. You should be able to wash the area within one to three days of getting the stitches.
- If recommended by your doctor, after 24 hours, gently clean the wound with water, thoroughly dry, and re-bandage it.
- Gently wash off the dirt and crust that forms over the stitches.
- If a light, yellow fluid drains from the wound, you may need to keep it covered.
- With your doctor's approval, use a bit of antibiotic ointment on the wound to reduce the risk of infection.
- To reduce pain and swelling, for up to two days after getting the stitches, try to keep the wound elevated above your heart as much as possible.
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