19 Feb 2026

Wound Care After Sutures (Adult)

by | posted in: Discharge Advice | 0

Understanding your injury

You have had a cut (laceration) that required stitches (sutures) to close the skin.

Stitches hold the wound edges together. This helps the skin heal, reduces bleeding, and lowers the risk of infection and scarring.

Even though the wound is closed, healing continues underneath the skin for several weeks.

It is normal to have:

  • Mild pain or tenderness for 2–5 days
  • Mild swelling
  • Slight redness at the stitch line
  • A small amount of clear or pink fluid on the dressing

Most simple wounds heal well within 7–14 days, depending on the body part.

Scars often look red or raised at first. This usually improves over 3–6 months.

It is not normal to have spreading redness, increasing pain, thick yellow or green discharge, or fever. These may suggest infection (see red flags below).

  • Keep the wound clean and dry
  • Leave the original dressing on unless it becomes wet or dirty
  • Avoid soaking the wound (no swimming, baths, or spas)
  • You may shower after 24 hours, but gently pat the area dry
  • Take simple pain relief if needed (paracetamol; ibuprofen if safe for you)
  • Change the dressing daily (or as advised)
  • Wash gently with clean water if needed
  • Do not apply antiseptics unless directed
  • Avoid picking at scabs
  • Avoid tension on the wound (stretching, heavy lifting if nearby)

Stitches Removal

Stitches need to be removed at the right time. Typically, these are as follows, though if your doctor has specifically advised otherwise, please follow their personalised directions:

  • Face: 5–7 days
  • Scalp: 7–10 days
  • Arms/legs: 7–14 days
  • Over joints: 10–14 days

Your clinician will advise the correct timing.

Removal should be done at your GP, not at the Emergency Department. Please call as soon as possible to book your appointment.

🚨 Call 000 or go to the nearest Emergency Department if…

  • The wound becomes rapidly more painful
  • Redness spreads away from the wound
  • There is thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
  • You develop a fever
  • The wound reopens or bleeds heavily
  • You notice numbness, weakness, or loss of movement beyond the injury
  • Red streaks appear moving away from the wound

You may return to light activity when:

  • Pain is manageable
  • The wound is dry
  • There is no increasing swelling

Avoid:

  • Contact sport until stitches are removed and the wound is healed
  • Swimming until fully healed
  • Activities that stretch or stress the wound

If this was a sporting injury, ensure protective equipment is intact before returning.

  • See your GP or local clinic for stitch removal at the recommended time.
  • See your GP within 24–48 hours if you are concerned about possible infection.
  • If you have diabetes or poor circulation, arrange GP review within 3–5 days.

In Australia, Healthdirect: 1800 022 222
Alternatively, call or visit your GP or local Emergency Department

NB: This information has been prepared with reference to the most up to date Australian standards and guidance in relevant sports medicine fields. It is prepared in good faith, however is only intended for use as explicitly directed by a DeployED health practitioner. It does not replace medical advice, nor does it purport to be perfect. If you have any doubts about the advice here, please consult your own doctor. If you have not been sent here by us, then this is not for you and DeployED accepts no responsibility for any outcomes which come to pass from your use of this information.

This advice is based on current Australian wound management guidance.
Version 1.0
Review due: February 2027

Follow Dr Stuart McLay:

Emergency Physician

Dr Stuart McLay is passionate about the delivery of exceptional care, everywhere. He is the founder of DeployED, a Fellow of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (FACEM - an Emergency Physician), a Core trainee of the College for Intensive Care Medicine, and a Mass Gathering Medicine / Expedition Medicine enthusiast. He's also a husband to 1, and father to 3, and a great annoyance to many.