After Getting Stitches Removed: How to Care for Your Child

The health care provider removed your child’s stitches. The wound is healing as it should. As it continues to heal, help prevent infection by taking good care of the cut.

• Some mild redness around the wound is normal. Check the wound every day to make sure the red area isn’t getting bigger.

• Keep the wound clean and dry.

• For the next 3 or 4 days, spread a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the wound twice a day. Then cover it with a bandage.

• When you or your child apply sunscreen, be sure to put it on the scar. This will help protect the scar from sunburn.

• The wound looks like it is opening up.

• Your child has signs of infection like redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound.

Why do cuts leave scars? A cut gets a scar when the body uses a protein (collagen) to help fill in the cut area. Scars are a natural part of healing. A scar can form even if a cut is fixed with stitches. Over time, some scars fade or get smaller.

Can a scar be prevented? A scar can’t be prevented, but you can do some things to make it less noticeable: 

• Scar massage: Gently rubbing the scar may soften or flatten it. Do this a few times a day after it has healed (about 3 weeks after stitches were removed). Ask your health care provider if you have questions about how to massage the scar.

• Sun protection: Always cover the area where the scar is. Stay in the shade, wear a hat, or cover the wound area with clothes. Use sunscreen that contains zinc/titanium oxide with at least a 30 SPF.