Stitches

i got surgery about a week ago and got 3 stitches...they are still pretty purple...how do i care for them?

the surgery and stitches are on my toe

Public Comments

1. talk to your doctor
2. listen to your doctor
3. Keep them dry is the important thing. Don't stretch or over-exert the area where they are, so that the skin is not stretched around them. It should heal naturally. If you are worried consult the hospital or doctor where you had them done for advice.
4. RICE Rest Ice Compression Elevation =)
5. You should have been given post-op care instructions. It ussually is with your discharge papers. If there is no warmth, or redness, you should just cleanse them with soap and water (depending on what type of surgery you had) I would call and ask the doctor, or clinic that did the surgery though.
6. Just keep them nice and dry. If you have some oozing discharge, then you should contact your surgeon, otherwise, it is best just to leave them open to air. Good luck.
7. The purple is just bruising and it will resolve after a few weeks. Where are your stitches? Didn't your MD give you directions in how to care for your incision? Most stitches do not need much care. Just keep them clean and covered with whatever your MD told you to use. Sometimes it is OK to shower if you dry the incision after and apply a new dressing. If you are really concerned, CALL YOUR SURGEON.