Wound Care following Stitches or Staples

Wound Care Following Stitches or Staples

Patient Information

Cardiac Catheter Laboratory 

• Author ID:           CW
• Leaflet Ref:         CCL 016
• Version:              7
• Leaflet title:         Wound Care following Stitches or Staples
• Date Produced:   August 2024
• Expiry Date:        August 2026

Introduction

Your wound site has been closed using stitches or skin staples/glue.

• You will be contacted by a district nurse from your GP surgery who will remove the stitches/skin staples seven days following the procedure.
• Keep your wound dry and covered with a dressing until the stitches or staples are removed. 
• You can bathe following stitch/staple removal. Gently dab the wound site dry with a clean towel. 
• The scar will take approximately six months to fade.
• Excessive movement at the wound site should be avoided.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub and cause you some discomfort over the wound site.
• Do not use any perfume/ cosmetic deodorant or any tanning products near or at the wound site.

If you experience any of the following:

• The wound has increased swelling, redness or oozing. 
• The wound edge is showing signs of separation or the skin appearing thinner over the pacemaker/loop recorder.
• If you have a raised temperature (over 37.5 centigrade, 99.5 Fahrenheit). 

Please contact the Cardiology Department, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm on 01942 822445 / 773018, 

or Cardiac Catheter Lab, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm on 01942 773392

If it is urgent or at the weekend, please attend the Accident and Emergency Department.

Call 111 first when it’s less urgent than 999.