What happens if your stitches get infected? (2023)

When should I go to the ER for infected stitches?

If you suspect that your wound is infected, go to the emergency room right away. Typical signs of infection are warmth, redness, pus discharge, pain, and fever. The physician will treat the infected area properly before the infection spreads into deeper skin tissues.

A doctor should clean the area and remove any pus that is present. For stitches that are mildly infected or only involve the skin's outer layer, a person can treat the infection using prescription antibiotic cream. If the infection has spread deeper below the stitches, a doctor will likely prescribe oral antibiotics.

If you notice that your stitches have become red, swollen, more painful, or are oozing pus or blood, see your doctor. If left untreated, a case of infected stitches can become serious and cause complications, some of which can become life-threatening.

Surgery that involves a cut (incision) in the skin can lead to a wound infection after surgery. Most surgical wound infections show up within the first 30 days after surgery. Surgical wound infections may have pus draining from them and can be red, painful or hot to touch. You might have a fever and feel sick.

Apply a thin layer of Vaseline (petrolatum jelly) or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. 4. Please DO NOT use Neosporin, Polysporin or Double or Triple Antibiotic ointment. These products can cause irritation.

The wound will not heal correctly unless the infection is cleared. Infection in a wound may also spread if it is not treated. In most cases, antibiotic medicines are prescribed to treat a wound infection.

After the initial discharge of a bit of pus and blood, your wound should be clear. If the discharge continues through the wound healing process and begins to smell bad or have discoloration, it's probably a sign of infection.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if:

The wound is infected (pain and soreness, swelling, redness, draining, or you develop a fever);

Call your doctor if you develop a fever or pus, redness, heat, pain or tenderness near the wound or any other signs or symptoms of a surgical site infection.

After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

What is the best way to clean stitches?

Wash with cool water and soap. Clean as close to the stitches as you can. Do not wash or rub the stitches directly. Dab the site dry with a clean paper towel.

Should you keep stitches covered? You'll likely leave the hospital or your provider's office with your stitches already covered, and Dr. Yaakovian recommends leaving them dressed for two to three days. During this time, avoid getting the covering wet.

After 48 hours, surgical wounds can get wet without increasing the risk of infection. After this time, you can get your stitches wet briefly with a light spray (such as in the shower), but they should not be soaked (for example, in the bath). Make sure you pat the area dry afterwards.

redness and swelling at the incision site. drainage of yellow or cloudy pus from the incision site. fever.

Pain that doesn't subside. Warm or hot skin that doesn't abate after a day or two. Discharge from the wound (especially yellow or green) Foul odor.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have these signs of infection: Redness from the infection spreads to other areas, often in streaks. You have aches and pains or a fever. You feel a general sense of malaise.

If you notice any of these signs of infection, call your doctor right away: redness around the cut. red streaking spreading from the cut. increased swelling or pain around the cut.

Can infected wound cause death?

Any wound that isn't properly cleaned and covered can allow bacteria, viruses or fungi to enter through the opening in the skin, leading to infection. Sepsis occurs when the body overreacts to infection, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream that ultimately cause organ failure and death.

An ER is recommended for severe cases of skin infection, rather than an urgent room since in an ER they have facilities to carry out skin cell cultures for diagnosis of the infection as well as facilities for administering IV antibiotics as well as admission if necessary.