SUTURE QUESTIONS

Definition

  • This guideline covers common questions about sutures or stitches.

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR SUTURE QUESTIONS

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance)

  • Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Your child looks or acts very sick.
  • Major surgical wound that's starting to open up.
  • Bleeding that won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
  • Suture came out early and wound has re-opened.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.
  • Suture came out early and wound is still closed.
  • Suture removal is overdue.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Sutured wound with no complications and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR SUTURES

  1. Suture Care for a normal sutured wound:
    • Keep sutured wounds completely dry for first 24 hours (4 hours for Dermabond skin glue).
    • After 24 hours, can take brief showers.  Avoid swimming, baths or soaking the wound until sutures are removed or Dermabond has fallen off.  (Reason: water in the wound can interfere with healing).
    • Apply antibiotic ointment 3 times a day (Reason: to prevent infection and a thick scab).  (Caution: don't apply any ointments or creams to Dermabond skin glue.)
    • Cleanse with warm water once daily or if becomes soiled.
    • Change wound dressing when wet or soiled.
    • Dressing no longer needed when edge of wound closed (usually 48 hours).
    • EXCEPTION: dressing needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
    • For pain relief, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) every 4 hours OR ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed (see Dosage table).
  2. Removal Date: Guidelines for when particular sutures (stitches) should be removed:

Face                                           3-4 days

Neck                                            -5 days

Neck                                           7 days

Scalp                                          67-10 days

Chest or, abdomen and back  7-10 days

Arms and back of hands           7 days

Legs and top of feet                  10 days

Back                                           10 days

Palms and soles                        12-14 days

Overlying a joint                         12-14 days

  • Removal Delays:  Don't miss your appointment for removing stitches. Stitches removed late can leave unnecessary skin marks and occasionally scarring.  It also makes suture removal more difficult.
    1. Suture Out Early:
      If the sutures come out early:
      • Reinforce the wound with tape or butterfly Band-Aids until the office visit.
    2. Wound Protection:  
      After removal of sutures:
      • Protect the wound from injury during the following month.
      • Avoid sports that could re-injure the wound.  If a sport is essential, apply tape before playing.
      • Allow the scab to fall off naturally.  Do not try to remove it.
    3. Call Your Doctor If:
      • Looks infected.
      • Fever.
      • Sutures come out early.
      • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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    Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

    Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

    Reviewed 8/2004

    Revised 8/2004

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