What is a Wound?
How do I care for my child's wound?
When do the stitches need to be taken out?
When should I call the clinic?
Questions

What is a wound?
A wound is a laceration (cut), abrasion (scrape), or puncture that breaks through the skin. Some wounds need stitches to close them. All wounds heal by developing a scar. The scar will be kept smaller by removing stitches at the right time, preventing infection, and protecting the wound from being hurt again while healing.

How do I care for my child’s wound?
Gently clean the stitches or wound as instructed with soapy water 2 times a day until the stitches are removed or the wound is healed. Dry the wound after cleaning.

• After cleaning, apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the stitches or wound for 2 or 3 days.
• For stitches on the face, antibiotic ointment should be used until they are removed. This will help stitches to come out easier.
• Covering the wound is not necessary after 24 hours, unless otherwise instructed.
• No swimming or tub baths while stitches are in place. Showering is OK.
• No real active play or contact sports; take care to protect the wound for ____________________.
• For 1 year after the scar heals, apply sunscreen when in the sun. This will prevent darkening of the scar.

When do the stitches need to be taken out?
The stitches should be removed in ___________ days by your child’s doctor. Call the office for an appointment as soon as possible so this can be done on the correct day. Stitches removed too late can cause more scarring. If any stitches come out early, apply a bandage and call the clinic.

When should I call the clinic? Call if a wound has any signs of infection:

• more redness
• more swelling
• more pain
• pus draining from wound
• red streaks going out from the wound
• fever higher than 101° F

Questions?
This sheet is not specific to your child, but provides general information. If you have any questions, please call the clinic. For information on health, parenting, injury prevention, or community resources, please call the Family Resource Center at (612) 813-6816 or (651) 220-6368.