OHSU

Suture Questions

DEFINITION

  • This topic covers common questions about sutures or stitches
  • Skin glue (Dermabond) is also covered

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

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

  • 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
  • Wound looks infected (redness, red streaks, swollen, pus)
  • Fever occurs
  • You think your child needs to be seen urgently

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

  • You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently
  • 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

HOME 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 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) or ibuprofen as needed (see Dosage table).

Removal Date: Guidelines for when particular sutures (stitches) should be removed:

  • Face: 4-5 day
  • Neck: 7 day
  • Arms and back of hands: 7 day
  • Scalp: 7-10 day
  • Chest, abdomen or back: 7- 10 day
  • Legs and top of feet: 10 day
  • Palms, soles, fingers or toes: 12-14 days
  • Overlying a joint: 12-14 days

Removal Delays:

  • Don't miss your appointment for removing sutures.
  • Leaving sutures in too long can leave unnecessary skin marks and occasionally scarring.
  • It also makes suture removal more difficult.

Suture Out Early: If the sutures come out early, reinforce the wound with tape or butterfly Band-Aids until the office visit.

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 pick it off. (Reason: prevent scarring)

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Looks infected
  • Fever
  • Sutures come out early
  • Your child becomes worse


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.

 

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Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 9/15/2011
Last Revised: 8/1/2011
Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Symptom Checker
Copyright 1994-2012 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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