What Not to Do with Stitches? The Essential Guide to Proper Wound Care

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to MedlinePlus, it is crucial to keep the wound site clean and dry for the first 24 to 48 hours to minimize the risk of infection. However, knowing what not to do with stitches is equally vital for a successful and complication-free recovery.

Quick Summary

Proper stitch care requires avoiding strenuous activities that can strain the wound, keeping the area dry and clean, and never picking at scabs or the stitches themselves. Ignoring signs of infection or removing stitches prematurely can lead to serious complications and prolonged healing.

Key Points

Keep it Dry: Avoid submerging stitches in water for the first 24-48 hours to prevent infection.
Limit Activity: Refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting to prevent putting tension on the wound.
Resist Scratching: Do not pick at scabs or scratch the itchy area, as this can introduce bacteria and damage healing tissue.
Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs like increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever and contact your doctor immediately.
Follow Removal Schedule: Never remove stitches yourself and follow your doctor's exact timeline to avoid scarring or wound reopening.
Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the healing wound from direct sunlight to minimize the risk of scarring and discoloration.

Introduction to Proper Stitch Aftercare

To ensure your wound heals correctly and without complications, understanding the crucial dos and don'ts is essential. Following your healthcare provider's instructions is paramount, but here's a detailed look at the pitfalls to avoid during your recovery period.

Immediate Post-Procedure Precautions

Immediately after receiving stitches, your focus should be on protecting the wound from external contaminants and minimizing stress on the sutured tissue. The initial 48 hours are particularly critical for establishing a clean healing environment.

Do Not Get Stitches Wet

For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid getting the stitches wet unless your doctor explicitly advises otherwise. Submerging the wound in water, such as in a bath, pool, or hot tub, is a common mistake that can significantly increase the risk of infection. Soaking softens the skin and wound edges, potentially allowing bacteria to enter. Instead, opt for a sponge bath or take a careful shower while protecting the wound area with a waterproof covering, as recommended by your provider.

Do Not Engage in Strenuous Activity

Avoid any activity that places strain or tension on the stitched area. This includes heavy lifting, intense exercise, and contact sports. Increased movement can pull the wound edges apart, damaging the newly formed tissue and potentially causing the stitches to break or the wound to reopen (dehiscence). Limiting movement is especially important for wounds located near joints like elbows, knees, and shoulders.

Mid-Healing Missteps to Avoid

As the initial healing phase progresses, new challenges arise. Here’s how to navigate them without jeopardizing your recovery.

Do Not Pick or Scratch the Area

An itching sensation around the wound is a common part of the healing process. However, you must resist the urge to scratch or pick at the area, including any scabs that form. Scratching can introduce bacteria, lead to infection, and damage the healing tissue. Picking at scabs can also pull the wound open. If the itching is persistent, consult your doctor about using an over-the-counter anti-itch cream or oral antihistamine.

Do Not Ignore Signs of Infection

An untreated infection can lead to more serious complications, including sepsis. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately:

Increased redness or swelling
Oozing pus or a bad-smelling discharge
Increased pain or tenderness after the initial 24 hours
Fever or chills
Red streaks radiating from the wound
Warmth around the wound site

Do Not Apply Hydrogen Peroxide or Alcohol

While it may seem intuitive, cleaning the wound with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol is a bad idea. These harsh chemicals can damage healthy skin cells and delay the healing process. Instead, use a mild, unscented soap and cool water as directed by your doctor.

Lifestyle and Wound Care

Your lifestyle choices can also impact how your stitches heal. Here are some factors to consider.

Do Not Expose the Wound to Direct Sunlight

Protecting the wound from UV radiation is crucial, both while the stitches are in and for several months after they are removed. Exposing a healing wound to direct sunlight can cause hyperpigmentation, leading to a more noticeable and darker scar. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the healed skin, or cover it with clothing.

Do Not Smoke or Drink Excessively

Smoking constricts blood vessels and reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the wound, significantly delaying the healing process. Excessive alcohol consumption can also interfere with blood clotting, which is essential for wound closure.

Comparison of Absorbable vs. Non-Absorbable Stitches

It is also important to understand the difference between the types of stitches you have, as this impacts the removal and care process.


Feature	Absorbable Sutures	Non-Absorbable Sutures
Removal	Dissolve on their own and do not require removal.	Must be removed by a healthcare provider.
Typical Use	Often used for deep wounds or internal closures where removal is difficult.	Used for skin closures on the surface where strength is required.
Healing Process	Biodegrade by the body over time, which can sometimes cause more inflammation.	Remain in place for a specified period (e.g., 5-14 days) and are then removed.
Inflammation Risk	Proteolytic degradation can sometimes cause a higher inflammatory reaction.	Typically causes less local inflammatory reaction than their natural counterparts.

Critical Actions to Avoid

Here is a quick summary of the top five actions that can compromise your stitched wound's healing:

Do not remove stitches yourself. Only a healthcare professional should remove stitches at the appropriate time to prevent the wound from reopening prematurely.
Do not use harsh cleansers. Avoid hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. Use gentle soap and water as instructed.
Do not delay removal. Leaving non-absorbable sutures in for too long can lead to excessive scarring, including the formation of prominent railroad track marks.
Do not ignore a re-opened wound. If your wound breaks open, especially within the first 48 hours, seek medical attention immediately. Depending on the location and timing, it may need to be re-stitched or closed with special tape.
Do not apply excessive pressure or force. Avoid tight clothing, heavy jewelry, or bandages that put unnecessary pressure on the wound. Proper blood flow is critical for healing.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safe Healing

Caring for stitches is a relatively simple process, but deviating from recommended guidelines can lead to serious setbacks. By avoiding these common mistakes—from improper hygiene to neglecting signs of infection—you empower your body to heal effectively. Following your doctor's instructions meticulously, keeping the wound clean, dry, and protected, and minimizing strain are the cornerstones of a swift and complete recovery. If you ever have doubts or notice worrying symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. For more information on wound aftercare, you can visit the MedlinePlus website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can typically shower after the initial 24 to 48 hours, provided you follow your doctor's instructions. Keep the area covered with a waterproof bandage and avoid letting the stream hit the wound directly. Do not soak the wound in a bath or pool until it is fully healed.

If you accidentally get your stitches wet, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel and follow your doctor's instructions. Submerging the wound, however, can soften tissue and introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.

You should contact your healthcare provider if you notice signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, excessive bleeding, or a foul odor. A fever or red streaks coming from the wound are also serious signs that require immediate attention.

Yes, it is common for the wound and surrounding skin to become itchy as part of the normal healing process. To manage the itch, avoid scratching and speak to your doctor about appropriate anti-itch remedies, such as an oral antihistamine or a cold pack.

You should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or any activity that puts stress on the wound. Stitches near joints are particularly vulnerable. Your doctor will advise you on when it is safe to resume your normal activities.

If a stitch comes out early and the wound remains closed, you may only need to reinforce it with paper tape, but you should still consult your doctor. If the wound reopens (gapes), it is important to contact your doctor immediately, as it may need to be re-stitched.

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding topical applications. Some may recommend a thin layer of petroleum jelly, but generally, lotions and creams are not advised as they can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.