• 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 wound closed. This takes about 48 hours. Exception: Dressing is needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.

• To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.

Face	4-5 days
Neck	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

• 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 butterfly Band-Aids.
• 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.)

• Starts to looks infected
• Fever occurs
• Sutures come out early
• Your child becomes worse