Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Sutured Wound Care
Description
Most contaminated wounds that are going to become infected
do so 24 to 72 hours after the initial injury. Keep in mind
that a 2- to 3-millimeter rim of pinkness or redness
confined to the edge of a wound can be normal, especially if
the wound is sutured. However, the area of redness should
not spread. It is also normal for there to be some pain and
tenderness, but the pain and swelling should be greatest
during the second day and then become less after the second
day.
Home Care
Do not wash the area for 24 hours after the suturing. Then
begin washing it gently with warm water and liquid soap one
or two times a day. Apply an antibiotic ointment after you
wash the wound to keep a thick scab from forming over the
sutures. Swimming and baths are safe 48 hours after the
suturing.
Suture Removal
Sutures are ready for removal at different times, depending
on the site of the wound. The following table can serve as
a guide.
Area of Body Number of Days
--------------------------------------------
Face. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 to 4
Neck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Scalp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Chest or abdomen. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Arms and backs of hands . . . . . . . . . 7
Legs and tops of feet . . . . . . . . . 10
Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Palms of hands or soles of feet . . . . 14
--------------------------------------------
Your child's stitches should be removed on the correct day.
Stitches removed too late can leave unnecessary skin marks
or even scarring. If any sutures come out too early, call
your child's physician and in the meantime reinforce the
wound with tape that pulls the edges together or with
butterfly Band-Aids. Continue the tape until the date when
the sutures are due to be removed.
Protection
After removal of sutures:
- Protect the wound from injury during the following month.
- Avoid sports that could reinjure the wound. If a sport
is essential, apply tape to the wound before playing.
Scars
A sutured wound will develop a scar. All wounds heal by
scarring. The scar can be kept to a minimum by taking the
sutures out at the right time, preventing wound infections,
and protecting the wound from being injured again during the
first month after the injury. The healing process continues
for 6 to 12 months. Only after this time will the scar
assume its final appearance.
Call Your Child's Physician Immediately If:
- An unexplained fever (over 100 degrees F, or
37.8 degrees C) occurs.
- There is a red streak or red area that spreads from the
wound.
Call Your Child's Physician Within 24 Hours If:
- It looks infected (for example, pus or a pimple).
- A stitch comes out early.
- You have other questions or concerns.
|