Concerns About My Son's Scalp Stitches: Occasional Bleeding Two Months Later
Hello everyone, I’d like to share a concern regarding my son, who is 15 years old. Approximately two months ago, on May 24, he received stitches on his scalp. The physician applied dissolvable stitches, and we adhered to the recommended aftercare. This included refraining from showering for 48 hours, ensuring the area was cleaned regularly, and trying to prevent any scratching. About nine days into recovery, he inadvertently scratched the stitches, resulting in some redness and a minor wetness around the area. However, there was no indication of pus or fever, leading us to believe it was simple irritation that would improve on its own. Now, in early July, we've encountered a peculiar issue. While he was resting with his head propped on his arm, he stood up and discovered a small patch of dried blood on his arm. When he checked his head, it was bleeding again—though not excessively, it was enough to cause us some worry. On occasion, the area appears slightly red or moist upon inspection. He shows no signs of pain, fever, or swelling; however, it seems odd that a wound would still demonstrate sensitivity and occasional bleeding after two months have passed. Could this indicate that a stitch may not have dissolved completely, or is there a chance the wound hasn’t healed correctly? We intend to visit a walk-in clinic soon, but I would greatly value any insights or similar experiences anyone might have had. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
7/14/2025, 12:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your son's scalp stitches and the ongoing issues. Occasional bleeding or sensitivity at the site of a wound several weeks after stitches are removed can sometimes occur, but it’s good to monitor these signs closely.
Explanation
After surgery or an injury, stitches (whether dissolvable or not) can take time to completely dissolve and for the wound to heal fully. If the area is showing redness or sensitivity, it could indicate that the healing process is still underway or that there has been some irritation or minor trauma to the area. While lighting bleeding and redness are not uncommon, it is important to ensure that the healing is progressing without complications like infection.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Clean the Area: Gently clean the scalp with mild soap and water daily to keep the area free from irritation and to prevent infection.
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Avoid Irritants: Encourage your son to refrain from scratching or putting pressure on the area. When he rests, it might help to use a different position that doesn't rest his head on the affected area.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for new symptoms like increasing redness, pus, or a fever, as these could indicate an infection.
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Document Changes: Note any patterns regarding bleeding or irritation, including when it occurs and under what circumstances, to provide useful information during your upcoming visit to the clinic.
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Visit a Clinic: Since you are already planning to visit a walk-in clinic, ensure to share these details with the clinician. They can assess if the stitch dissolution is complete or whether there might be another cause for the sensitivity and bleeding.
Reassurance
It’s natural to feel uneasy about these symptoms, but remember that many wounds can have minor issues during the healing process, especially on the scalp, which is often subject to movement. The fact that your son is not experiencing pain or other significant symptoms is a reassuring sign, but it’s always best to get a professional assessment to ensure everything is healing as it should.
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