Nine Days After the Cut
I’m a healthy 36-year-old man who sustained a cut from glass last week. I'm scheduled to have my stitches removed tomorrow, but the wound hasn't fully healed. I've been informed that keeping stitches in for too long might increase the risk of infection, which is why I’m hesitant to wait any longer. Is it typical for a laceration to take this long to heal completely? When I clean the area, I notice a bit of blood, but thankfully, the amount has been decreasing each day. The only part that still appears open is the deepest section of the cut; I can see this more clearly when I gently pull the skin back.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 6:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your healing process, especially with a recent cut and scheduled stitch removal. While it's common for wounds to take time to heal, especially deeper lacerations, you are right to monitor how it’s progressing.
Key Points:
- Healing Timeline: It can take from a few days to a couple of weeks for most cuts to heal, depending on their depth and location, as well as your overall health.
- Observation of Blood: Noticing some blood while cleaning is often normal, especially if there’s still some depth to the wound. This could indicate that although the surface may close, deeper healing is still occurring.
- Stitch Removal Timing: Keeping stitches in too long can lead to complications, but removing them too early may not allow the wound to heal properly.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Wound: Continue to observe the wound closely. Note any changes in color, odor, or increased swelling, as these can be signs of infection.
- Gentle Cleaning: When cleaning, be gentle to avoid disrupting any healing tissue. Use mild soap and water to clean the area and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: It would be wise to discuss your concerns with the healthcare provider when you go for your stitch removal. They can assess whether the wound is healing appropriately and determine if additional care is needed.
- Follow Post-Removal Care Instructions: After the stitches are removed, follow the care instructions provided to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Your health and well-being are important, and it's great that you're actively managing your recovery. If you notice increased pain, redness, or any discharge beyond what's considered normal, be sure to address this with your healthcare provider promptly.
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