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Definition
- Common questions about sutures or stitches
- Stapled wounds are treated the same as sutured wounds
- Skin glue (Dermabond) questions are also covered
Health Information
When Sutures (Stitches) are Needed for Cuts
- Any cut that is split open or gaping needs sutures.
- Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) usually need sutures.
- On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) usually need to be seen. They usually need closure with sutures or skin glue.
- Any open wound that may need sutures should be seen as soon as possible. Ideally, they should be checked and closed within 6 hours. Reason: To prevent wound infections. There is no cutoff, however, for treating open wounds.
When Sutures (Stitches) Should be Removed
- Stitches and staples are used to keep wounds together during healing.
- They need to be removed within 4–14 days.
- The specific removal date depends on the location of the stitches or staples.
- Removal should not be delayed. Reason: will leave skin marks.
Care Advice
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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. Avoid getting Dermabond skin glue wet until it has fallen off. Reason: Water in the wound can interfere with healing.
- Use an antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. An example is Polysporin. No prescription is needed. Reason: To prevent infection and a thick scab. (Caution: Don’t apply any ointments or creams to Dermabond skin glue.)
- Cleanse surface with warm water once daily or if becomes dirty.
- Change wound dressing when wet or dirty.
- A dressing is no longer needed when edge of the wound is closed. This takes about 48 hours. Exception: Dressing is needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
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Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
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Removal Date - When Sutures (Stitches) Should be Removed:
- Face: 4–5 days
- Neck: 7 days
- Scalp: 7–10 days (same for staples)
- Chest, stomach, and back: 7–10 days
- Arms and back of hands: 7 days
- Legs and top of feet: 10 days
- Fingers and toes: 10–14 days
- Palms and soles: 12–14 days
- Over a joint: 12–14 days
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Removal Delays:
- Don’t miss your appointment for removing sutures.
- Leaving sutures in too long can leave skin marks. Sometimes, it can cause scarring.
- It also makes taking the sutures out harder.
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Suture Out Early:
- If the sutures come out early, close the wound with tape. You can also use butterfly Band-Aids.
- Do this until the office visit.
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Wound Protection After Sutures Are Removed:
- Protect the wound from injury during the month after taking sutures out.
- Avoid sports that could re-injure the wound. If a sport is essential, cover with tape before playing.
- Allow the scab to fall off on its own. Do not try to pick it off. (Reason: Prevents scarring.)
Call Your Doctor If
- Starts to looks infected
- Fever occurs
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC