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 4-5 days
    Neck  7 days
    Scalp 7-10 days
    Chest or, abdomen and back 7-10 days
    Arms and back of hands 7 days
    Legs and top of feet 10 days
    Palms and soles 12-14 days
    Overlying a joint 12-14 days
  3. 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.
  4. Suture Out Early:
    If the sutures come out early:
    • Reinforce the wound with tape or butterfly Band-Aids until the office visit.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2005

Revised 8/2005

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