I have stitches in my finger but no advice to care for them.

Question

I cut my finger on glass 2 nights ago and i received 4 stitches in my middle finger on my left hand. Thing is, the doctor that did the stitches gave me no advice how to care for them except "Don't get them wet" and I need a little more guidance.

It's looking alright but i've been getting a throbbing sting pain and it's quite painful. It's swelling and possibly bruising a bit, not too sure. Paracetamol doesn't really do the job for it, and I'm keeping it elevated when possible.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)

Answer 1

Aw hun ouch ! If you don't suffer from asthma then you could take Ibuprofen, If you are asthmatic then you can't & paracetamol is your safest course of pain relief. Apart from keeping your finger dry as the Dr said, you could try resting your left hand on a cushion or pillow when you are sitting down or at night when you are in bed.

The throbbing pain is normal & is natures way of letting you know that things are healing. Go to the hospital for regular check ups if you are at all concerned, they should change your dressings if & when you attend.

Good Luck. I hope your finger heals quickly & you are not in too much pain for to long. X :-)  

Answer 2

call your primary care physician first thing in the morning and tell them what happened.

they can probly fit you in that day and look at them.

there is not much after care inst for stitches. i have had some myself.

but if you are swelling and throbbing you have an infection and need other meds. some bruising and some pain is normal during healing.

Answer 3

Go back and see the doc.  It may be getting infected.  

Answer 4

I cut my finger on glass about 3 years ago and had 8 stitches, initially my finger was bruised and swollen round the stitches but it soon went down, bath you finger in a mild warm salt water and get your finger checked out, you will almost certainly have to have the stitches out unless they are disolvable ones. Its really bad practice not to have been provided with an after care leaflet, i got one when i injured myself and found it very useful, i'd write and complain to the hospital.

Answer 5

Jesus what a idiot Dr.!!!!!!!!!!!! They should have gave you a bottle of this stuff to wash your finger in and directed you to keep it dry and use an ointment to keep it from getting it infected.  By not washing it correctly...it's most likely infected....what a stupid Dr.!!!!!!!!!!!!  You need to be reseen hun.  You need to use an antibacterial ointment after you wash it.  They sale the stuff to wash it too....but he should have gave you some.  You need to wash it...just not soak it...and make sure it's dry after.  get it rechecked hun..........