Removing Stitches

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• If the doctor puts small strips of tape across the wound, leave them on as long as instructed. You don't need to replace them if they fall off after a few days.
• Take care to avoid bumping the wound
• If you have a scalp wound, you may wash your hair gently.
• You may wash your wound as you would normally wash your skin. You may want to be careful for the first few days.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have a high temperature.
• The wound begins to bleed, or the edges begin to come apart.
• You have constant and increased pain in the injured area.
• You have signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red streaks leading away from the wound).