Stitches / Sutures Directory

After you get stitches, also called sutures, your doctor will tell you how to care for them. Some stitches need to be kept dry for a certain amount of time. You may experience minor irritation, which is normal, but unusual redness or swelling could be a sign of infection. Some stitches will be removed by the doctor while other types dissolve on their own. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about why stitches are used, how to care for them, signs of an infection, and much more.