Is It Normal for a Wound to Appear Open After Stitches Are Removed?
I’m a 29-year-old female who sustained a laceration on my leg that required seven stitches due to its depth. After having the stitches in place for 12 days, I had them removed today. I’m concerned because the wound doesn’t seem to be fully closed. Is this a common occurrence? The nurse advised me to keep the area clean and mentioned that I no longer need to cover it with a bandage; is this guidance appropriate? I anticipated a more healed appearance or at least a smaller gap in the wound once the stitches were taken out.
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 4:01:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your wound following stitch removal. It's not uncommon for a wound to appear slightly open or have a gap after stitches are taken out, especially if it was a deeper cut. However, it’s important to ensure that the wound is healing properly.
After stitches are removed, the skin may still take some time to fully close and heal. The healing process varies from person to person, and it can be normal for there to be some separation if the wound was deep or under tension.
Here's What You Should Do:
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Keep the Area Clean: Continue to clean the wound gently with mild soap and water. Avoid any harsh scrubbing which could irritate the area.
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Moisturize the Wound: Consider applying a non-stick ointment (like petroleum jelly) to keep the area moist, which can promote healing and prevent scabbing.
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Protect the Wound: While your nurse mentioned you no longer need to cover it, consider keeping it lightly covered, especially in the first few days after stitch removal, to protect it from dirt and irritation.
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Monitor for Infection: Look for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, discharge (especially if it's yellow or green), or any worsening pain. If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to seek further evaluation.
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Patience: Give your body some time. It’s normal for the area to take a few more days to close up completely, but try to keep an eye on any changes.
If you have any persistent concerns about the appearance of the wound or if it doesn't begin to improve in a week or so, consider reaching out for further evaluation to ensure everything is healing correctly. Your peace of mind and health are what matter most!
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