Printable patient guide
Care of a sutured wound
Use this guide alongside the instructions given at your appointment. Your individual dressing, medicine and follow-up instructions take priority.
Keep the wound clean
Wash your hands before handling the dressing. Replace a dirty or wet dressing. Follow your individual instructions for wound strips, glue or a protective film.
Washing and activity
A sutured wound can usually be showered after 24–48 hours unless instructed otherwise. Pat dry gently. Avoid stretching the wound. Wait with sauna and swimming until the wound is closed and stitches are removed, or your clinician permits it.
Stitch removal
Arrange removal at the agreed time. This depends on the wound site and healing; there is no single schedule for every wound.
When to contact the clinic
Contact the treating unit on the same day if redness spreads, pain or swelling clearly worsens, pus develops, you get a fever or the stitched wound opens. If timely assessment is unavailable or you are unsure where to go, call 116117. For uncontrolled major bleeding or another life-threatening situation, call 112.
Your agreed plan
Write the individual instructions on this printout at your appointment. Agree any review and who arranges it before leaving.
Date and wound location:
Dressing care and permitted activity:
Stitch removal: when, where and who books it:
Follow-up and contact details: