When your child needs stitches, it’s crucial to understand how to care for them effectively. Proper care not only speeds up healing but also helps prevent complications like infections. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essentials of caring for stitches and provide tips to identify potential signs of infection.
What Are Stitches?
Stitches, much like the thread holding fabric together, play a vital role in wound healing. Made from materials like nylon and silk, stitches either dissolve naturally or require removal after five to seven days.
8 Tips to Properly Care for Stitches
While you’ll likely receive aftercare instructions when your child gets stitches, here are some general guidelines to ensure proper care:
1. Keep Stitches Clean and Dry for 24 Hours
Ensure the area around the stitches remains covered and dry. Use a bandage or wrap, and if the stitches get wet, change the dressing promptly.
2. Manage Pain with Medication
Your child may feel some pain and discomfort post-stitches. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen, can help. Use a dosage chart to ensure safe amounts.
3. Wash Around the Wound Twice Daily
Clean the area around the wound twice a day with clean water. Avoid peroxide or alcohol, as they can delay healing.
4. Apply Petroleum Jelly
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist, preventing scabs and promoting faster healing. This also helps minimize scarring.
5. Avoid Dirty Environments
Keep your child indoors and avoid outdoor activities to prevent infection while stitches heal.
6. Apply Pressure for Bleeding
If bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure for about five minutes. Do not remove clots. Applying ice can reduce swelling and bruising.
7. Elevate the Affected Area
For stitches on the arm or leg, elevating the area can help reduce swelling.
8. Protect from Sunlight
Stitches are sensitive to strong sunlight, which can cause burns. Keep them shielded from direct exposure to minimize scarring.
Signs of Infected Stitches?
It’s common for stitches to cause mild redness and discomfort. However, closely monitor your child’s stitches to ensure minor irritation doesn’t escalate into an infection. Use symptom checkers as a guide if unsure.
Signs of Infection to Watch For:
- Fever or swollen glands
- Increased pain despite medication, or pain radiating beyond the wound
- Increased swelling around the wound
- Expanding redness or red streaks near the wound
- Blood or pus draining from the wound
- Signs of dehydration, such as less urination, dark urine, dry mouth, or sunken eyes
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Often, antibiotics are prescribed to clear up infections.
Stitches are a common method for wound closure and can aid in faster healing. Pediatric Urgent Care of Northern Colorado is equipped to handle most bleeding wounds. Opting for urgent care instead of the emergency room can save time and reduce ER-related costs.