Experiencing Severe Dryness Around My Stitches
Recently, I had stitches placed six days ago. I visit the local clinic almost every other day for assistance. During these visits, the nurse cleans the area with an antiseptic liquid and applies a cotton pad soaked in alcohol before securing it in place with tape. She recommended that I purchase some gauze and change the dressing daily, which I have been doing diligently. However, the stitched area has become incredibly dry. It causes significant discomfort when I attempt to straighten my finger, and bending it creates tight folds near the base due to the dryness. I also have eczema on my hands, which further exacerbates the situation since it tends to become quite dry if I don't moisturize regularly. The nurse advised against applying any ointment as it might jeopardize the stitches and emphasized the importance of keeping the area immobile, especially since it's located over a joint, where the risk of tearing is heightened...
Answers (1)
8/30/2025, 8:11:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel discomfort and worry about the dryness around your stitches, especially given the location and your skin condition. Proper care is essential to ensure healing while managing dryness, so let's focus on practical steps to relieve your discomfort without jeopardizing your stitches.
Key Points:
- Dryness is common after stitches, especially in areas that move.
- Eczema can worsen the situation, making skin maintenance critical.
- Care techniques can help balance healing and comfort.
Explanation:
When stitches are placed, especially near joints, the movement can lead to additional stress on the healing skin. Regular antiseptic cleaning helps prevent infection, but it can also contribute to dryness. Given your history of eczema, maintaining moisture in the skin is crucial, but you're correct in noting the need to be cautious with ointments so soon after stitching.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Moisturize Surrounding Skin:
- Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer on the skin around the stitches, avoiding the stitches themselves. This will help keep the skin hydrated without interfering with the healing process.
-
Increase Humidity:
- If possible, use a humidifier in your living space. Increased humidity can help prevent skin from becoming excessively dry.
-
Focus on Movement Healthily:
- While it’s important to keep the area immobile to prevent tearing, gentle range-of-motion exercises can still be beneficial. Slowly bend and straighten your finger very carefully, stopping if you feel pain.
-
Assess the Dressing:
- If the dressing feels too tight or is contributing to irritation, you might discuss the option of using a more breathable dressing with your nurse during your next visit. Many specialized dressings allow for moisture and flexibility while protecting the area.
-
Monitor for Signs of Infection:
- Watch for redness, swelling, increased pain, or discharge that might suggest infection. If any of these occur, increase the urgency for medical advice.
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Communicate with Your Nurse:
- Share your concerns about dryness and discomfort during your next clinic visit. They may have alternative options or additional recommendations specific to your situation.
Remember, it’s essential to be gentle with the stitched area as it heals. If discomfort worsens or if you have further questions, please reach out for immediate advice from your healthcare provider.
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