How can I treat a painful red sore on my C-section scar?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a C-section two years back. I have a small sore on the surgical scar, and a tiny surgical thread seems to be coming out of it. The area is sometimes painful and red.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your concern with me.

From your description, the most likely diagnosis would be suture granuloma. Suture granuloma is caused by a retained piece of surgical suturing material after the surgery. It causes an inflammatory reaction in the body due to the presence of foreign bodies, causing small ulcerations on the scar, exposure of the thread, reddening, and sometimes pain. This can appear months or even years after surgery, including after a cesarean section.

Another possible diagnosis is a stitch abscess, which can occur if a retained stitch becomes mildly infected. This may cause redness around the scar, tenderness, a small sore with a visible thread, and sometimes a little discharge. In many cases, the body naturally pushes the stitch out through the skin, a process sometimes called “spitting sutures.”

A doctor can also easily remove the exposed thread, which usually resolves the problem. You should see a doctor or a gynecologist if possible. They may clean the area, remove the exposed stitch, and prescribe a topical antibiotic if there is a mild infection. This is usually a quick clinic procedure and is not considered serious.

It is advised that you ensure the region remains clean and dry, wash the same with mild soap and water, avoid the temptation to remove the stitch on your own, and put on loose clothes. Go to a doctor earlier if there is increased redness and swelling, pus or foul smell, fever, or spreading pain. On the whole, your symptoms indicate the development of a suture granuloma due to retained suture after cesarean delivery.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.