Suture Questions

Definition


When to Call Us for Suture Questions

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Not moving or too weak to stand
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency

Call Us Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick
  • Major surgical wound that's starting to open up
  • Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Stitch came out early and part of wound has opened up
  • Wound looks infected (spreading redness, pus)
  • Fever occurs
  • You think your child needs to be seen urgently

Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Sutured wound with no complications

CARE ADVICE FOR SUTURES

Suture Care for a Normal Sutured Wound:
  • Keep sutured wounds completely dry for first 24 hours. (4 hours for Dermabond skin glue). If needed, use a sponge bath.
  • After 24 hours, can take brief showers.
  • Avoid swimming, baths or soaking the wound until sutures are removed. Avoid getting Dermabond skin glue wet until it has fallen off. Reason: Water in the wound can interfere with healing.
  • Use an antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. An example is Polysporin. No prescription is needed. Reason: To prevent infection and a thick scab. (Caution: Don't apply any ointments or creams to Dermabond skin glue.)
  • Cleanse surface with warm water once daily or if becomes dirty.
  • Change wound dressing when wet or dirty.
  • A dressing is no longer needed when edge of wound closed. This takes about 48 hours. Exception: Dressing is needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
Pain Medicine:
  • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
Removal Date: Guidelines for when particular sutures (stitches) should be removed:
Face4-5 days
Neck 7 days
Arms and back of hands7 days
Scalp7-10 days
Chest, abdomen or back7- 10 days
Legs and top of feet10 days
Palms, soles, fingers or toes12-14 days
Overlying a joint12-14 days
Removal Delays:
  • Don't miss your appointment for removing sutures.
  • Leaving sutures in too long can leave skin marks. Sometimes, it can cause scarring.
  • It also makes taking the sutures out harder.
Suture Out Early:
  • If the sutures come out early, close the wound with tape. You can also use butterfly Band-Aids.
  • Do this until the office visit.
Wound Protection: After taking the sutures out:
  • Protect the wound from injury during the month after.
  • Avoid sports that could re-injure the wound. If a sport is essential, cover with tape before playing.
  • Allow the scab to fall off on its own. Do not try to pick it off. (Reason: Prevents scarring.)
Call Your Doctor If:
  • Starts to looks infected
  • Fever occurs
  • Sutures come out early
  • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact us if your child develops any of the "Call Us" symptoms.

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Copyright 1994-2013 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.