Spitting Sutures Care Naples FL - Managing Dissolvable Stitches (2024)

FAQs

Spitting Sutures Care Naples FL - Managing Dissolvable Stitches? ›

If the suture does “spit,” it is not something to worry about. If you are able to grab it with tweezers, give it a gentle pull. Applying a warm moist compress to the area may help bring more of the suture to the surface.

If the absorbable sutures are not dissolving and breaking up after 5 days, you may use Q-tips soaked in hydrogen peroxide to dissolve them faster.

Occasionally, some of the deeper stitches that normally dissolve on their own work their way to the surface; these are called “spitting sutures.” These will dissolve with warm compresses or can be removed in the office.

Suture spitting typically occurs in the 2-week to 3-month postoperative period. However, with the use of long-lasting absorbable or nonabsorbable sutures, spitting can occur several months or years postoperatively.

In general, however, there are some rules to follow. ‌Keep the area dry. Absorbable sutures are less likely to break down early or get infected if they're dry. You'll want to avoid soaking in tubs — though showering is usually okay after 24 hours — and ensure that you pat the area dry after each rinse.

Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing. You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage. Apply a little bit of petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

American researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that hydrogen peroxide causes absorbable sutures to disintegrate prematurely. Stitches are meant to maintain tension on the skin while the wound heals.

Let your doctor know about your concerns. Also, ask your doctor how long the dissolvable stitches are designed to remain intact for your specific procedure. If more time than that has passed, they may recommend you come in to have the stitch snipped or can let you know if you can remove it yourself.

A spitting suture is a dissolvable suture under your skin that is rejected by your body before it can completely dissolve. These spitting sutures can cause swelling, redness and/or oozing at the incision. This is normal and will eventually go away on its own.

If it does spit, it is not a big deal. You likely have hundreds of internal sutures. If you can grab it with tweezers, give it a gentle pull.

Can spitting stitches get infected? ›

Spitting sutures are a common complication of dermatologic surgery following closure of a cutaneous defect using buried sutures. This development can be distressing and uncomfortable for patients and may lead to further complications, such as surgical-site infection and abscess.

This happens when the stitch is gradually pushed out of the skin because the body is rejecting the material. Spitting sutures can feel like a sharp spot on the incision, and a small white thread may start emerging. Other times, a spitting suture can simply look a pimple or red bump near the wound.

"Stitches can be left in too long," warns Dr. Yaakovian. "When this happens, the skin can grow over the stitches — making removal more difficult. It can also lead to more scarring."

If the area remains scabby or itchy, apply vaseline daily to keep it moist and reduce itchiness. If the site develops increasing redness, pain, or pus/malodorous discharge, these changes may be signs of infection.

If dissolvable stitches have been used, then after 7 days, and as long as the wound is closed with no oozing, you should lightly massage the suture line with a non-perfumed moisturiser to encourage the stitches to fall out. You need to apply the cream and massage at least twice a day.

Keep your stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage. Non-absorbable stitches and staples need to be kept dry for 1 to 2 days. Absorbable stitches sometimes need to be kept dry longer. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to keep your stitches dry.

The time it takes for dissolvable or absorbable stitches to disappear can vary. Most types should start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two, although it may be a few weeks before they disappear completely. Some may last for several months.

How does Salt Water Affect Dissolvable Stitches in the Mouth? Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, as your dentist recommends, can help keep the area clean and promote healing. Salt water should be used gently, without excessive force that could dislodge the stitches.

Dissolvable stitches take approximately 6-8 weeks to fully dissolve. Occasionally the stitches on the surface of the wound do not dissolve and do have to be removed. If you have dissolvable stitches and they have not dissolved in two weeks you can arrange and appointment with your GP practice to have them removed.