When stitches heal, expect some mild pain, redness, swelling, and itching, especially in the first few days, as inflammation is normal. The wound might feel tight, numb, or slightly hot to the touch, with new tissue forming pink bumps or a lumpy ridge. Pain and redness should gradually decrease; persistent, increasing, or severe symptoms, fever, or bad odor suggest infection and warrant a doctor's visit.
Signs it's working: During this stage of healing, you may experience swelling, redness or pain while your wound heals. Your skin may also feel hot to the touch, and you may see a clear liquid around your wound. These are all signs that the inflammatory stage of wound healing is well underway.
If the skin around your wound is red, swollen, hot, painful, or leaking blood or pus, contact your doctor right away. Fever or red streaks around the wound are signs of infection that need to be addressed urgently. If your stitches pop open and you notice your wound pulling away, return to the doctor.
The inflammatory stage is characterized by redness around the wounded area, swelling, pain, and heat. This phase of the healing process can last for six days or longer.
Six signs that your wound is not healing
If your stitches have bandages or dressings, follow the care instructions given by your doctor or nurse. Avoid physical activities that might re-open the wound. Children should avoid activities such as playing in sandpits or mud, riding bikes or swimming.
After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
The most common cause of surgical scar pain after surgery is a nerve that is injured or stuck in scar tissue. You may not only experience pain from scar tissue, but may also have swelling, itching, and increased sensitivity.
Expose incisions to sunlight. Healing scars are very sensitive and burn easily. Tingling, numbness, and itching around the incision. There may also be mild oozing and bruising, and a small lump may form.
The wound healing process
Hemostasis also helps get the body ready for the second stage of healing. Inflammation- Your body's defense system sends white blood cells to the wound to help clear out bacteria and debris. You might see experience some redness, swelling, warmth or pain.
Moisturizing creams hydrate the skin, reduce itch, soften scars, and prevent water loss—key for healing young or inflamed scars. Regular use supports smoother, more flexible scar tissue with minimal side effects.
Staples and Stitches (Sutures): You can wash or shower 24 hours after surgery unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Clean the area with mild soap and water and gently pat dry with a clean cloth. Steri-Strips: You can wash or shower with Steri-Strips in place.
The classic list consists of five W's – Wind, Water, Wound, Walking, and Wonder Drugs, but two other causes should also be considered – Wing/Waterway and (W)abscess. There is a characteristic timeframe after surgery when many of these complications tend to develop (postoperative days or POD).
Steer clear of all activities that could strain the site until you're done healing. Even exercise like yoga can put too much pressure on the stitches. Don't swim. Wait until your stitches are out before you go into the pool or ocean.
Common signs of wound infection include increasing pain, spreading redness, foul odor, and pus in the affected area. Severe cases are often accompanied by fever, chills, and fatigue, signaling your immune system is working extra hard.
The Five Stages of Healing Injuries
Stages of Wound Healing
Keep the Wound Moisturized: After the wound has closed apply a silicone based gel or vitamin E oil to keep the skin hydrated and encourage more healing. Massage the Scar Tissue: Once stitches have been removed, massage the area gently to increase blood circulation this will decrease the buildup of scar tissue.