What are the discharge instructions for suture removal to the finger?

Discharge Instructions for Suture Removal to the Finger

Sutures on fingers should be removed after 7-10 days, with proper hand hygiene before and after the procedure, and patients should be instructed to monitor for signs of infection including increased pain, redness, swelling, or drainage. 1

Timing of Suture Removal

• Sutures on fingers typically should be removed after 7-10 days to allow for adequate wound healing while minimizing scarring 2
• For patients with darker skin, longer healing times may be necessary (up to 21 days in palmar surfaces) 3
• Timing may need adjustment based on:
  • Location (finger joints may require longer healing time due to movement) 2
  • Patient factors (tobacco use, manual labor, and age >40 significantly delay healing) 3

Suture Removal Procedure Instructions

Pre-Removal Preparation

• Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub before touching the wound 1
• Gather necessary supplies: clean gloves, sterile scissors, sterile forceps, antiseptic solution, and appropriate dressing materials 4
• Inspect the wound for signs of proper healing (edges well-approximated, minimal redness) 2

Removal Technique

• Clean the suture line with antiseptic solution 1
• Using sterile forceps, gently lift the knot or free end of the suture 2
• Cut the suture at skin level on one side of the knot 2
• Pull the suture out in the direction of the knot to avoid dragging the contaminated portion through the tissue 4

Post-Removal Care

• Clean the area again with antiseptic solution 1
• Apply sterile adhesive strips if needed for additional wound support 2
• Cover with appropriate dressing if the wound appears fragile 2

Self-Removal Option

• Self-removal of sutures is safe and effective for appropriate patients 5
• Provide patients with:
  • Clear written instructions with illustrations 5
  • Suture removal kit (sterile scissors, forceps, antiseptic wipes, adhesive strips) 5
  • Instructions to perform hand hygiene before and after the procedure 1

Warning Signs to Monitor

• Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if they notice: 1
  • Increased pain, redness, or swelling extending beyond the wound edges
  • Purulent drainage or discharge
  • Fever or systemic symptoms
  • Wound dehiscence (opening of the wound)
  • Red streaking from the wound site

Activity Restrictions

• Avoid soaking the wound in water until sutures are removed 1
• Brief, gentle washing with soap and water is permitted after 24 hours 2
• Avoid activities that place tension on the wound 1
• For manual workers, consider longer activity restrictions and potentially delayed return to work 3

Follow-up Care

• Schedule a follow-up appointment for suture removal if patient is not performing self-removal 5
• After suture removal, continue to protect the wound from excessive tension for an additional 1-2 weeks 2
• Apply moisturizer to the healed scar to improve cosmetic outcome 2

Special Considerations

• Patients with conditions affecting wound healing (diabetes, immunosuppression, peripheral vascular disease) may require longer healing time before suture removal 2
• Patients using skin-lightening products may experience delayed wound healing 3
• Consider wound adhesive strips for additional support after suture removal in high-tension areas 2