Stitch wounds will generally leave scars. However, if the stitches are cared for properly, the wound healing process can be faster and the stitches may not leave scars. Come on, know how to properly treat stitches so they don't leave scars.
Most minor cuts or scrapes on the skin will heal and go away on their own. However, it is different for large incisions such as postoperative sutures (eg caesarean section) or large and deep wounds that cause a lot of bleeding. These wounds usually need to be treated with stitches.
Many people feel uncomfortable with stitches because these wounds often cause scars. In order for the stitches to heal properly and not look too scarred, you need to take good care of the stitches.
Tips for Caring for Stitches
So that stitches can heal properly and don't look too scarred, follow these tips:
1. Keep the stitches clean
Every wound on the body has a risk for infection, including stitches in the skin. Infected sutures can cause the wound healing process to take longer and increase the risk of scarring.
Therefore, you need to clean the stitches regularly to prevent infection. The trick is to clean the wound using clean water and mild chemical soap. Clean the stitches 2 times a day every morning and evening.
2. Make sure the stitches are dry
During the recovery period, try to keep the stitches dry. Wet stitches can make you feel itchy and make you more susceptible to infection.
After cleaning the wound with soap and water, immediately dry the wound with a clean towel or sterile gauze. You are also advised not to do activities that can make the stitches too wet, such as swimming.
3. Use ointment
Generally, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic ointment, such as: bacitracin or neosporin, to prevent the stitches from becoming infected. Apply the ointment to the sutured area regularly according to the doctor's instructions. To speed up wound healing, your doctor may also suggest that you use a moisturizer, such as petroleum jelly.
4. Avoid sun exposure
When your skin is injured, either due to stitches or an injury, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. This is because sun exposure on injured skin can cause scars to appear.
If you must travel while the stitches are still healing, wear clothing that covers the wound and absorbs sweat. You also need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
5. Apply a healthy lifestyle
While recovering from stitches, you also need to eat nutritious food so your body can repair damaged tissue. In addition, in order for the wound healing process to run smoothly, you also need to avoid strenuous physical activity, not smoke or be exposed to secondhand smoke, and stay away from alcoholic beverages.
For some conditions, suture scars may still appear even after you have taken the steps for treating suture scars. This condition can be experienced by people with keloids. Keloids are generally passed down genetically in families.
If the stitches form a keloid, you may need to have the scar removed medically, for example with a corticosteroid injection from your doctor to remove the scar that has become a keloid.
Suture wounds usually heal and close completely in about 1–2 weeks. With good suture care, the wound can heal well and look less scarred.
However, you need to be vigilant and consult a doctor immediately if you develop a fever during the wound healing process or if the wound looks swollen, has pus, smells, feels painful, or continues to bleed. This could indicate that your stitches are infected.