Scars are often extremely difficult to fade or get rid of after they form. If you suffer a wound that requires stitches, taking proper care of it can help minimize the risk of scarring. Stitches can leave “track marks” if they are left in too long or if you do not take care of them properly. Talk to your doctor about wound care and scar prevention, as different wounds and types of stitches may require slightly different care.
Step 1
Wash your wound gently with a mild soap one to three days after your doctor sews it closed. Washing off dirt and crust around your stitches can help prevent scarring, according to an article in a June 2004 edition of “American Family Physician.”
Step 2
Rinse your stitches thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Step 3
Apply a bandage over your stitches unless directed to do otherwise by your doctor. Bandages help keep the wound moist and protected, which helps promote healing, explains Bruce Katz, M.D., an associate clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Step 4
Spread a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over your stitches daily to help prevent infection and discourage a heavy scab from forming, which could lead to a scar.
Step 5
Follow up with your doctor as directed to get your stitches removed. Leaving stitches in too long can lead to scarring along the edges of the wound, often called track marks, explains Dr. Katz.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about the possibility of closing a minor wound with a skin adhesive, such as Dermabond, instead of stitches to reduce your risk of scarring. Do not apply antibiotic ointment to a wound closed with a skin adhesive, as this can weaken the adhesive, explains an article in “American Family Physician.” If a slight scar forms after your doctor removes your stitches, keep the new scar protected from the sun and gently massage the mark daily. Massage helps break down collagen that attaches to underlying layers of tissue that can lead to scars, explains Robert Bernard, M.D., a plastic surgeon in White Plains, New York.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Towel
- Bandages
- Antibiotic ointment
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