Post-Suture Care for Arm Lacerations
General Care
- The American College of Physicians recommends keeping the sutured wound clean and dry for the first 24-48 hours, then showering normally while gently patting the area dry, avoiding soaking the wound in baths or swimming until sutures are removed 1, 2
- Patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous use of the affected arm for 7-10 days 1, 2
Pain Management
- The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) as needed for pain 3
- The American College of Chest Physicians advises avoiding aspirin if not already taking it for another medical condition, as it can increase bleeding risk 4
- Applying ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours can help reduce swelling 3
Special Considerations
- The World Journal of Emergency Surgery suggests that patients taking blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel, or aspirin) should watch the wound more closely for bleeding or expanding bruising 5, 4
- The American College of Chest Physicians recommends not stopping blood thinners unless specifically instructed by the physician who prescribed them 4
- Applying firm pressure for 10-15 minutes if minor bleeding occurs, and contacting the doctor if bleeding does not stop, is advised by the World Journal of Emergency Surgery 5
Warning Signs
- The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends calling the doctor immediately if there is increasing pain after the first 2-3 days 3, 6
- The American College of Physicians suggests calling the doctor if there is redness spreading beyond 1-2 cm from the wound edges, warmth or heat around the wound, pus or cloudy drainage from the wound, or wound edges separating or gaping open 6, 2