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If you’ve recently gotten stitches at an urgent care clinic, proper wound care is a must. Not only will it prevent the area from becoming infected, but thorough care can also minimize scarring and expedite healing time. While your physician will provide detailed instructions, here are a few tips you should expect to follow.

How to Care for Your Wound After Receiving Stitches

1. Make Sure the Area Stays Dry

The incision must stay dry for the first 24 hours, so you’ll need to modify your bathing routine. Once your urgent care doctor gives you the all-clear, you can resume showering, but don’t submerge the stitches in water. You can gently clean the area with soap, warm water, and a washcloth. Make sure to dry the area after, taking care not to disrupt the stitches. 

2. Limit Movement of the Affected Area

urgent careStretching or pulling on the stitches can cause the wound to re-open, so limit movement to ensure proper healing takes place. Try not to partake in strenuous exercises or sports until the stitches have been removed. You should also exercise caution when lifting or straining, as this can hurt the healing process. If the stitches do become loose, contact your doctor or visit the urgent care clinic right away. 

3. Know the Signs of Infection

Even if you take the proper precautions, infection is still possible, though not likely. If you notice increasing redness, pus, or the area becomes extremely painful, get a professional medical opinion. In many cases, application of antibiotic ointment is sufficient to stop the infection from worsening.

 

Robertsdale Urgent Care provides essential care to patients throughout Baldwin County, AL. Whether you need a regular physical or stitches for a laceration, their team will provide convenient, fast assistance. Since they’re committed to urgent medical needs, appointments aren’t required for treatment. Lead medical provider Amy Younce is fully committed to providing the best care possible, which is why she also instructs patients on the best steps for proper aftercare. Visit the website to learn more about the urgent care clinic's services, or call (251) 947-3591 to speak to a member of the team today.

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