General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.
In France, call 15 or 112 immediately if the injured person loses consciousness or has signs of shock (drowsiness, pallor, rapid pulse or breathing, intense thirst, vomiting); if the wound is deep or extensive; for heavy bleeding or haemorrhage; or if the person is bleeding and has a clotting disorder. A wound near an eye also needs urgent care: do not wait for stitch removal.
After a wound is closed, ask whether the professional used glue, adhesive strips or stitches, and when a check is planned. Monitoring and any removal depend on the material and location.
Absorbable stitches fall out on their own over one to several months. Non-absorbable stitches need removal by a doctor or nurse. Record the appointment set for your wound; do not remove the stitches yourself.
Surgical glue usually falls off on its own in five to fourteen days. Do not pick or rub it. For adhesive strips, ask the team when and how to remove them in your situation.
Follow the dressing prescription. Until healing, avoid baths and soaking a sutured wound; showering is possible without rubbing the area, then pat it dry, unless your care team gives different instructions.
Seek medical advice without delay if redness, swelling, pain, yellowish or greenish discharge, fever above 38.5 °C appears, or if the wound has not healed after two weeks. A scar continues to develop: protect it from sun to reduce pigmentation.
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