Can Stitches Get Wet?

No, stitches should not be submerged in water.

Understanding Wound Care After Stitches

When you get stitches, proper care is essential for healing and preventing infection. While it's important to keep the wound clean, it's equally crucial to avoid soaking the stitches in water. Here's a breakdown of what to do and what to avoid:

Initial 24 Hours

• Keep it Dry: For the first 24 hours after getting stitches, the area must remain dry. This allows the initial healing process to start without interference.

After 24 Hours

• Washing: After the first 24 hours, you can wash the area carefully. However, you should avoid submerging the stitches. According to the reference, you can wash it, or shower but not swim or bathe.
• Showering: Showering is generally acceptable after the first 24 hours, as the water doesn’t typically submerge the stitches.
• Avoid Submersion: It's crucial to keep the area from being submerged in water for the duration the stitches are in place. This means avoiding activities like swimming or taking a bath.

Why Avoid Submerging Stitches?

Submerging stitches in water can cause several issues:

• Infection: Water can harbor bacteria that may cause an infection in the wound.
• Delayed Healing: Excessive moisture can soften the skin around the stitches, potentially causing them to loosen or fail prematurely.
• Increased Scarring: Improper care, including water exposure, can sometimes lead to more noticeable scarring.

Summary

In conclusion, you must keep the area with stitches dry for the first 24 hours, and while the stitches are in, you cannot submerge them in water. Showering and washing are acceptable after 24 hours, but avoid swimming or bathing.