Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a cut in your skin. A cut is also called a "laceration." The doctors closed the cut with stitches that do not dissolve. Stitches are a special kind of thread used to close certain types of cuts.
A small amount of clear, yellow fluid might drain out of the wound for the first few days. This is normal.
In a week or so, you will need to go to the doctor, and they will take out the stitches.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. After that, gently wash it with soap and water whenever you take a shower. Do not put the wound underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.
●Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound 1 to 2 times each day. You can cover the wound with a bandage, or leave it open to air dry.
●Wash your hands before and after you touch the wound or bandage.
●Avoid activities that could hurt the area near the stitches for 1 to 2 weeks. If you hurt the area again, the stitches could break and the cut could open up again.
●Do not try to take out the stitches yourself. Make sure you know where and when to go to get the stitches taken out.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●The wound is swollen, red, or warm
●The wound has thick yellow or green drainage.
●The wound opens up.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Stitches and staples (The Basics)
Patient education: Removing stitches (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Laceration infection (The Basics)
