Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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How can I take care of my child's stitches?

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 stitches. Swimming and baths are safe 48 hours after the suturing.

When should the stitches be taken out?

Stitches are ready for removal at different times, depending on the site. 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 scarring. If any stitches come out too early, call your child's physician and, in the meantime, tape the edges of the wound together with adhesive tape or butterfly Band-Aids. Continue the tape until the date when the sutures are due to be removed.

How can I protect my child's wound?

After removal of stitches:

• Protect the wound from injury during the following month.
• Avoid sports that could reinjure the wound. If a sport is essential, apply tape before playing.

Call your child's doctor right away if:

• An unexplained fever occurs.
• There is a red streak or area that spreads from the wound.

Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:

• The wound looks infected (pus or a pimple)
• A stitch comes out early.
• You have other questions or concerns.