Cleaning Stiches - how do I do this?

[BrightSparkles]

DH's stitches in his foot are looking at bit red and gross. I thought maybe rinsing it with some saline and recovering it. They need to be in for another week. We have been changing the dressing regularly.
Is there anything else I should do - or is rinsing it a bad thing?

[Tinks]

I don't think you should get them wet. If they're red they could be infected, go and see a dr.

[BrightSparkles]

We were at the beach today so his probably got sand in it

Thats what I figured tinks - told him he needs to go back tomorrow and get it checked.

[Mother Goose]

the skin can become red during the normal healing process. How long has he had them in for? What were the washing instructions? Does he need to bag his foot for a shower? Has the site been red previously?

[BrightSparkles]

the skin can become red during the normal healing process. How long has he had them in for? What were the washing instructions? Does he need to bag his foot for a shower? Has the site been red previously?

Had stitches in for a week today. Has to have the in for two weeks.
No washing instructions just to keep it covered, no bagging it for showers. When I've changed the dressing before it's been a bit pink but i figured that was normal but it's looking more red now. I've told him to go back to the doctor today just to get them checked.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

When i had 20 stitches in my right arm they looked gross, purple and red i think they were even bleeding sometimes. I wasn't allowed to wet them at all, i could take the dressings off (i had a half cast) and air them but water wasnt allowed to touch them unless seen by a doctor.

I don't think they would be infected, sounds normal to me but you can see a doctor just to be sure.

[Mother Goose]

Definately get them checked out because they do sound irritated/infected. But I'd also be inclined to give them a gentle clean using normal saline and sterile gauze/cotton balls. Just to get rid of any sand caught in it. You wouldn't be drenching it in saline, just using the wet sterile gauze to wipe them.

Hope they aren't infected. Let us know how he goes.

[Ryatha]

If it is hot to touch around the stiches or there is fluid leaking from the area (sorry gross I know) then I would go to the Dr sooner rather than later. That usually means there is an infection in the wound and it needs treating before it gets worse. When I have stiches they are usually pink and a little bit itchy as it heals, but generally they don't go red. Washing with saline would help sooth the area if it is a bit sore and control the infection a little bit, but I always err on the side of caution.

Hope it gets better soon.