Stitches or Staple Removal

Home care

• If you have pain, take pain medicine as advised by your health care provider. 

• Keep your wound clean and protected by covering it with a bandage for the next week or so. 

• Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds before and after caring for your wound. This helps prevent infection.

• Clean the wound gently with soap and clean, running water daily or as directed by your provider. Don't use iodine, alcohol, or other cleansers on the wound. Gently pat it dry. Put on a new bandage, if needed. Don't reuse bandages.

• If the area gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth. Replace the wet bandage with a dry one.

• Check the wound daily for signs of infection. (These are listed under "When to get medical advice" below.)

• You may shower and bathe as usual. Swimming may be allowed, but check with your provider first.

• Keep the wound out of prolonged direct sunlight. The new skin is very sensitive and can easily sunburn. This can cause a scar.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider as advised.

When to get medical advice 

Call your health care provider if you have:

• A wound that reopens or bleeds.

• Signs of an infection, such as:

  • Increasing redness or swelling around the wound.

  • Increased warmth from the wound.

  • Pain that gets worse.

  • Red streaking lines away from the wound.

  • Fluid draining from the wound.

• A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.