Overview
In the emergency department, a wound has been treated with stitches or wound glue,
You can go home from the doctor. Here you will read:
- how to care for a wound with sutures,
- how to care for a wound with skin glue,
- what complications can arise, for which complaints you should contact your doctor or general practitioner.
How to care for a wound with stitches?
- You may shower, but then gently pat the wound dry. If you have a wound on the head, do not blow-dry your hair.
- Give rest the wound area. Depending on the size of a wound on your hand or arm, you will be given a sling for this. If you have a large wound on your leg, it is important that you do not put too much strain on this leg. This prevents the wound from swelling
- which could create tension on the scar.
- If the wound is bandaged, you should change it every day.
How to care for a wound with skin glue?
Your wound is closed using skin tissue glue. This is a medical adhesive designed to close wounds. It can be used in place of sutures on a number of wounds.
The skin glue can look slightly irregular and sometimes even cracked. This is normal and will not affect the action of the adhesive.
- The glue-covered wound usually looks like a dry scab, try not to scratch or pick at it.
- If the wound is bothering you because there is friction or abrasion of the wound, you may cover the wound with a plaster or gauze. Change this every 24 hours.
- Keep the wound clean and dry. You may shower carefully, but not bathe or swim. Then gently pat the skin around the wound dry and do not rub
- Do not apply ointment to the skin around the adhesive. You should not blow-dry your hair if you have a wound on the head.
- The glue will come off on its own after about 10 days just like a normal scab. The wound is then sufficiently healed. The wound usually does not need to be checked.
What complications can occur?
There is a chance that the wound will become inflamed or burst open. Then contact your doctor.
Depending on the site of the wound and the skin type, proliferation of scar tissue can occur over time, especially with dark-skinned skin this complication is more common.
When to contact a doctor?
You should contact your GP or the Emergency Department if you experience one of the following two complications:
- In the event of fluid discharge, irritation, persistent pain or if the wound edges diverge, notify the doctor.
- Opening the wound by releasing the sutures.
More information ?
For more information, please refer to the Emergency or your GP.
