Stitches

i just got stitches the other day on the bottom of my foot how should i care for them? 7 stitches in total

i stepped on glass, the cut is very deep atlest an inch deep its pretty long as well, i dont know how i should care for them, ive cleaned the blood up with a q-tip what more should i do? its swollen, continously throbbing. Are you allowed to soak stiches? it was a broken glass bottle, the rigid part of like a beer bottle.

Public Comments

1. Keep it clean with soap and water. Do not soak it as the stitches will pull free. After cleaning it with soap and water, pat dry it with a towel and then let it air dry for a little while. Once it is dry, cover it back up with antibiotic cream and a bandage.
2. Yeah - dont soak - just try and keep as clean as possible. How big was the piece of glass? (broken glass isn't usually this dangerous) EDIT: ouch - I feel for you. I've had small cuts from going barefoot, but nothing needing stiches. Was it the bottom piece of the bottle? 'Cause that seems like the most dangerous part.
3. I had this some years ago - you have my sympathy for you plight. So far you have done the right thing by being gentle in the cleaning process. It is important to try and keep it clean and dry and if possible do not weight-bear on it. Shoes or trainers can make your foot sweat so try to leave it off if you can. If it is still swollen keep the foot raised, above heart level, if possible. The throbbing is the most worrying part of your problem. You do not say when, how or where you had the accident. As the cut is on the bottom I guess it was outside and the bottle was dirty. If this happened more than two days ago I would suggest you may have an infection in the wound. Look for telltale signs around the edge of the wound and stitches. If there is any redness and feels warm to touch with the back of your hand, or puss seems to be coming from it then immediately return to the A&E for this to be investigated and treated. Hope this helps. Good luck.