Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call 911 Now If:

• Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now 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 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 Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

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

Removal Date

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

• Face: 4-5 days
• Neck: 7 days
• Scalp: 7-10 days
• Chest, 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

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.

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 remove it

Call Your Doctor If:

• Looks infected
• Fever
• Sutures come out early
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms