Suture Questions

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.

Sutures that come out early cause the most concern.
For open cuts, call your child's doctor now. General guidelines for re-suturing or re-gluing are listed below:
Face Cuts. If a face wound has re-opened, call your doctor now. The cut may need to be re-glued or re-stitched. It does not matter how long it's been since sutures (or glue) were placed.
Body Cuts and Less Than 48 Hours. If the wound is elsewhere on the body, call your doctor now. The cut may need restitched (or glued) if gaping open. This is sometimes done if suturing was less than 48 hours ago.
Body Cuts and Over 48 Hours Ago. Call your doctor now for advice. After 48 hours, re-suturing is rarely done (except on the face). After 48 hours, the sutured wound can be reinforced with tape.
Cut Is Closed, but suture has come out early. The wound should heal up fine without any further treatment. Check with your child's doctor within the next 24 hours.

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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 (such as Polysporin) 3 times a day. 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 wound is closed. This takes about 48 hours. Exception: dressing is needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.

Here are some guidelines for when sutures (stitches) should be removed:

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.

If the sutures come out early, close the wound with tape. You can also use a butterfly bandage.
Do this until the office visit.

Protect the wound from injury during the month after.
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.