Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Caring for Stitches and Staples

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: October 2001
Last Revision Date: April 2002

Common Questions, Quick Answers

• What are stitches/staples?
• When do children need stitches/staples?
• How does a doctor put stitches/staples in?
• How do I take care of the stitches/staples?
• How long will my child need stitches/staples?
• How are the stitches/staples taken out?
• When should I call the doctor?

What are stitches/staples?

• Stitches are small pieces of string or thread. Staples are small pieces of metal. The doctor uses them to pull the skin together after it has been cut.
• Stitches are also called sutures.

When do children need stitches/staples?

• Children need stitches or staples if they have a cut that won't heal easily.
• Stitches are best for some cuts. Staples are better for others.
• They both help stop bleeding, help make scars smaller, and help prevent infection.

How does a doctor put stitches/staples in?

• First, the doctor will clean the skin around the cut so it won't get infected.
• Anything left in the cut (like dirt or a piece of glass) will be removed.
• The doctor will numb the area using an anesthetic (a numbing medicine), given in the form of a cream, spray, or shot.
• The skin is sewn together with stitches using a tiny needle. A small stapler is used to put staples in.
• Your child may feel tugging on the skin but will not feel pain.

How do I take care of the stitches/staples?
Ask your doctor exactly how to take care of the stitches and staples.

While stitches/staples are in

• Some stitches and staples can't get wet. If your child has staples, leave a bandage on them.
• Other stitches and staples need to be washed with soap or covered with antibiotic cream and a bandage. The bandage may need to be changed in 24 hours.
• If the area swells or is painful, have your child keep it above the heart. For example, prop up a hand on a pillow during a nap.
• Activities that could break open the skin again should be avoided.
• Children should not pull on the stitches/staples even if the skin is itchy.
• Crust around the stitches/staples can be gently washed off with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide or plain water.
• Antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection.
• See the doctor after 7-10 days.

After stitches/staples are taken out

• Avoid letting sun on the area for 6 months. Cover it with clothing or sunblock.
• For 2 months, avoid rough activities that could break open the cut.

How long will my child need stitches/staples?

• Your doctor should be able to give you an idea of how long your child will need stitches/staples. It will depend on how bad the cut is, where it is on the body, and how well it heals.
• The doctor will tell you when to come back to take the stitches/staples out.

How are the stitches/staples taken out?

• Some stitches will dissolve on their own. Other stitches, the doctor has to take out. The doctor will cut the stitch at the knot and gently pull out the string.
• Staples are taken out with a small staple remover.
• Children may feel tugging but shouldn't feel pain.

When should I call the doctor?

• Call the doctor if your child pulls his stitches/staples out.
• Call the doctor if stitches/staples pop out or tear.
• Call the doctor if the cut is hot, red, swollen, or oozing pus (yellow-green thick fluid).
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's cut or stitches.

Quick Answers

• Stitches are small pieces of string or thread. Staples are small pieces of metal. They are used to pull the skin together after it has been cut.
• Both help stop bleeding, help make scars smaller, and help prevent infection.
• The doctor puts stitches in by sewing the skin together using a tiny needle. A small stapler is used to put in staples.
• Ask your doctor exactly how to take care of the stitches/staples.
• Your doctor should be able to tell you about how long your child will need stitches/staples.
• Some stitches will dissolve on their own. Others, the doctor has to take out. Staples are taken out using a small staple remover.
• Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your child's cut, stitches, or staples.

References

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Scrapes and Stitches: Caring for Wounds. (cited 2001 September 20). Available from: URL: http://familydoctor.org/healthfacts/041/7.html
• Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. Patient Education Material: Wound and Scar Care. 1998 September (cited 2001 September 20). Available from: URL: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/family/pep/homecare/2055/index.asp?print=yes
• Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati. Hernia Repair After Care. 1998 September (cited 2001 September 26). Available from: URL: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/family/pep/homecare/2204/index.asp?print=yes
• The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Lacerations with Stitches. 1996-2001 (cited 2001 September 20). Available from: URL: http://WWW.CHOP.EDU/cgi-bin/consumer/your_child/condition_section_index.jsp?id=-8398&printable=1
• Cronan, K MD and Dowshen S MD. How Stitches Help Kids Heal. 1999 October (cited 2001 September 20). Available from: URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=KidsHealth&lic=1&ps=307&cat_id=&article_set=22022

See related Patient Topics Surgeries.

See related Provider Topics Surgeries.

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