Yes, it is common for stitches to bleed a little, especially in the initial period after they are placed. Minor bleeding or oozing is often part of the natural healing process. According to available information, after surgery, some minor bruising or bleeding from the incision is common.
Understanding Bleeding After Stitches
While some bleeding is normal, it's important to differentiate between normal oozing and excessive bleeding. Here's a breakdown:
- Normal Bleeding: This is typically light and may involve small spots of blood on the bandage. It usually stops within a day or two.
- Excessive Bleeding: This involves a continuous flow of blood, soaking through bandages quickly, or spurting blood. This is not normal and requires immediate medical attention. As mentioned previously, excessive bleeding after surgery may be due to an injury to a blood vessel.
What to Do if Your Stitches Bleed
Here are some steps you can take if your stitches are bleeding:
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Use a clean cloth or gauze pad to apply gentle, direct pressure to the area for 10-15 minutes. Avoid lifting the cloth to check if the bleeding has stopped; maintain continuous pressure.
- Elevate the Area: If possible, elevate the area with the stitches above your heart. This can help reduce blood flow to the area and slow the bleeding.
- Avoid Straining: Refrain from activities that could put stress on the stitches, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
- Keep the Area Clean: Gently clean the area around the stitches with mild soap and water, and pat it dry.
- Seek Medical Attention: Contact your doctor immediately if bleeding is excessive, doesn't stop after applying pressure, or is accompanied by signs of infection (increased pain, redness, swelling, pus).
When to Worry
Although minor bleeding from stitches is expected, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention:
- Excessive bleeding that soaks through bandages quickly.
- Pulsating or spurting blood from the incision site.
- Signs of infection such as increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or pus discharge.
- Fever accompanying the bleeding.
