Community Health Network

• 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 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) or ibuprofen as needed (see Dosage table).

Face	4-5 days
NeckÂ	7 days
Arms and back of hands	7 days
Scalp	7-10 days
Chest, abdomen or back	7- 10 days
Legs and top of feet	10 days
Palms, soles, fingers or toes	12-14 days
Overlying a joint	12-14 days

• 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 pick it off. (Reason: prevent scarring)

• Looks infected
• Fever
• Sutures come out early
• Your child becomes worse