Your child had a cut in the skin (also call a laceration) on their face that needed stitches (sutures). The stitches will hold the edges of the cut together. This helps the skin heal properly and lessens scarring.

Here’s some information to help you care for your child at home.

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for:

• When your child needs to return to have the stitches taken out (Some stitches are absorbed into the body and don’t need to be taken out.)
• Any activities to avoid, such as rough play and sports
• When it’s OK for your child to return to sports and usual activities

For the first 24 hours:

• Keep the cut dry.
• If needed, your child can take a sponge bath. They should avoid getting water on the cut.

After 24 hours:

• Your child can take a shower. They shouldn’t soak the cut in a bath or go swimming until the healthcare provider says it’s OK.
• Your child should wash the cut with mild soap and water (no scrubbing) and pat dry with a clean towel once a day.

Caring for the cut:

• Check the cut every day to make sure the red area is not getting bigger, the cut isn’t getting more swollen, and that there’s no drainage (oozing) from the cut. The cut should look a little better every day.
• Your child should not pick or scratch at the scab that forms over the cut. For younger children, you might need to cover the area with a bandage to prevent touching.
• If small white sticky tapes (called steristrips or butterfly bandages) are put over the stitches let them fall off on their own (usually within a few days).
• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for:
  • Using an ointment on the cut
  • Covering the area with a bandage
• If the cut starts to bleed, put pressure on it with a clean gauze pad for 10 minutes. If it doesn’t stop bleeding or if it bleeds a lot, take your child to the ER.

For discomfort:

• You can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.
• Use a cold pack wrapped in a clean cloth for 15–20 minutes at a time to lessen swelling and help with pain.

• Your child has signs of an infection such as:
  • Fever
  • Redness and swelling
  • Worsening pain
  • Red streaks on the skin near the cut
  • Yellowish or greenish drainage (pus) coming from the cut
• The cut starts to bleed but stops after holding pressure with a clean gauze pad for 10 minutes.

The cut:

• Starts bleeding heavily and won't stop after using firm pressure for 10 minutes
• Opens up

Will it hurt when the stitches are removed? Removing stitches is usually quick and causes only mild discomfort, like a small pinch or pulling sensation. Most children handle it very well, especially when they know what to expect.

Can my child go to school or daycare? Usually yes, if they feel well enough. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about whether your child should keep the wound covered and any activities to avoid at school or daycare.

Will there be a scar? Most cuts leave some type of scar. Keeping the cut clean, getting the stitches out as recommended, and using sunscreen on the area once the cut is healed will help lessen scarring. Scars usually fade over time.