When Sutures (Stitches) are Needed for Cuts

• Any cut that is split open or gaping needs the edges of the wound to be brought together. This can be done with sutures, staples, paper stitches or glue.
• Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) often need sutures.
• On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) often need to be seen. They often need to be closed 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 and to help start healing.
• Wounds that are left gaping will take longer to heal. They are more likely to get infected and leave you with a scar. There is no cutoff time, 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 removal date depends on the location of the stitches or staples.
• Removal should not be delayed. Reason: the suture or staples will leave skin marks.

Wounds That Re-Open After Closure

• Sutures that come out too early cause concern.
• If the wound has reopened, call your 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 It's Been Less Than 48 Hours. If the wound is anywhere other than the face, 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 It's Been More Than 48 Hours. 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 re-closed with tape.
  • Cut Is Closed, but suture has come out early. The wound should heal fine without any more treatment, but your doctor may advise reinforcing paper sutures for a few more days. Check with your doctor within the next 24 hours and protect the wound from further injury while you wait.

When to Call for Suture or Staple Questions

Care Advice

Care for a Normal Sutured or Stapled Wound:

• Keep the sutured wound clean and dry for as long as your doctor has advised. Often for the first 48 hours for stitches or 4 hours for Dermabond skin glue. If needed, take a sponge bath and avoid washing the wound.
• Follow your doctor's advice about how to care for your wound. Ask for advice if you are not sure what to do.
• Avoid touching your wound and the dressing unless you need to.
• Always wash your hands before and after caring for your wound, such as when changing the dressing.
• 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 delay healing.
• You may feel soreness, tingling, numbness or itching around the wound. There may also be some bruising and slight swelling. This is normal.
• Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin) 3 times a day if your doctor tells you to. No prescription is needed. Reason: to prevent infection and a thick scab. Caution: don't apply any ointments or creams to Dermabond skin glue.
• Clean the wound with warm water once daily or if the area gets dirty.
• Change wound dressing if wet or dirty.
• A dressing is no longer needed when edge of wound is closed. This takes about 48 hours. Exception: dressing may be needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
• Avoid exposing the scar tissue to strong sunlight for at least 12 months. The new tissue may be sensitive to sunlight and may burn.

Pain Medicine:

• To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
• Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil). Ibuprofen works well for this type of pain.
• Use as needed, but do not take more than the recommended maximum dosage as stated on the package.

Suture or Staple Removal Date

• Here are some guidelines for when sutures (stitches) should be removed. Your doctor will let you know, based upon your wound and the procedure you have had:
• Scalp: 7-10 days (same for staples)
• Face: 4-5 days
• Chest, stomach or back: 7-10 days
• Neck: 7 days
• Arms and back of hands: 7 days
• Legs and top of feet: 10 days
• Palms, soles of feet, fingers or toes: 12-14 days
• Overlying a joint: 12-14 days

Suture or Staples 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.

Sutures or Staples Out Early:

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

Wound Protection After Sutures Are Out:

• Protect the wound from injury during the month after.
• Avoid sports that could re-injure the wound. If you must play a sport, cover the wound with tape before playing.
• Allow the scab to fall off on its own. Do not try to pick it off. Reason: prevents infection and risk of scarring.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Starts to look infected
• Fever occurs
• Sutures come out early
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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