Suture, Stitches Care

ADVICE for treating SUTURED WOUNDS

1. Suture Care for a normal sutured wound:
   • Can get wound wet (e.g., bathing) after 48 hours.
   • Apply antibiotic ointment 3 times a day. Reason: To prevent infection and a thick scab
   .
   • Cleanse with warm water once daily or if the wound 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.
2. Removal Date: Guidelines for when particular sutures (stitches) or staples should be removed:
   • Face: 4-5 days
   • Neck: 7 days
   • Scalp: 7-10 days
   • Chest or abdomen: 7-10 days
   • Arms, back of hands: 7-10 days
   • Legs, top of feet: 10 days
   • Back: 10 days
   • Palms & soles: 12-14 days
   • Overlying a joint: 12-14 days
3. Removal Delays: Don't miss your appointment for removing stitches. Stitches removed late can leave unnecessary skin marks and occasionally cause scarring. Delays also makes suture removal more difficult.
4. Suture Out Early: If the sutures come out early, reinforce the wound with tape or butterfly Band-Aids until the office visit.
5. 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 on its own. Do not try to remove it.
6. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g., Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g., Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 600 mg).
   • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this type of anti-inflammatory drug.
   • Do not use if pregnant. Do not use ibuprofen for >7 days without consulting your doctor.
   • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
7. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.