I Removed My Stitches Prematurely and the Wound Isn't Healing
I recently found myself in a bit of a situation. At 22 years old, I had an accident with a plate that resulted in a cut requiring stitches. On the same day, I received stitches, and the nurse instructed me to visit a walk-in clinic for removal after a week. After waiting for eight days, I decided to take matters into my own hands and remove them myself, as I wasn’t inclined to make the trip to the clinic. Surprisingly, the process was painless, but I soon realized that my wound hadn’t closed up. Even during the week I had the stitches in, I observed that it wasn’t healing well. I kept a bandage on it at all times, changing it frequently just to be safe. I can’t quite wrap my head around why it hasn’t healed; perhaps I should have left the stitches in for a longer period? In April, a similar accident occurred with my pinky finger. That time, I didn’t get stitches and just placed a bandage on it. A week later, that cut had healed completely. So what is different this time? Is there a specific reason for the delay in healing, or did I simply rush the process and make a mistake?
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 2:40:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a frustrating situation regarding your wound and its healing process. Removing stitches prematurely can impact how well a wound heals, and there are several factors to consider in your case.
Key Points:
- Healing can be delayed for multiple reasons, including premature stitch removal, infection, and individual healing response.
- Not all wounds heal at the same rate; the location and nature of the injury can also affect healing times.
Explanation:
When stitches are removed before a wound has fully healed, the tissue may not have sufficient support to close properly, leading to a higher risk of delayed healing or reopening. It's also possible that the wound was at risk for infection, which can hinder the healing process. While in some cases, like your pinky, you may have had a minor cut that healed easily, other factors—such as the depth, location, or even how the wound was treated—can significantly impact healing time.
Next Steps:
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Keep the Wound Clean: Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water. After cleaning, pat it dry and apply a sterile bandage.
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Monitor for Signs of Infection: Look for increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge that is yellow or green. If any of these signs develop, it may indicate an infection.
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Avoid Irritation: Ensure that the area is protected from further injury or irritation. Avoid tight clothing or aggressive movement that may stress the wound.
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Use a Healing Ointment: Consider applying an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin) to promote healing and prevent infection, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
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Patience and Observation: Allow time for the wound to heal. Expect improvements over several days to weeks. If there’s no improvement within a week, or if it worsens or shows signs of infection, it may be necessary to seek medical attention.
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Keep Track of Changes: Note how the wound looks day by day. This will help you see if it is healing or if further action is needed.
Healing times can vary widely, and it’s important to give it the attention it needs. You're doing your best with the situation, and taking these steps should help support the healing process. If you have further concerns or questions, please feel free to reach out.
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