Most children will have to have stitches for one thing or another at some point in their childhood.
 
Properly caring for the stitches is vital to healing the wound and keeping out infections.
Here are some suggestions to make sure that you properly care for your child’s stitches.
Always follow the doctor's specific instructions.
 
Provide the appropriate dose of children's paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain. (Make sure you do not give aspirin to your child as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition)

Keep the area clean and dry for a day or two after the stitches are put in. After that, it is ok to wash the area gently with soap and warm water.
 
You can apply a thin film of antibiotic cream after washing and drying the wound.
If the doctor has specified, keep the stitches covered with a clean bandage for a few days.
Be on the lookout for signs of infection, such as redness or red streaks that extend from the injured area. Infection may also bring increased pain, fever, and swollen glands. Call the doctor if you see any of these signs.

Never try to remove stitches yourself. If a piece remains in the skin, it could become infected.
 
Make sure to see the doctor for a follow up appointment.
 
After the wound is completely healed, protect the newly formed skin with sunscreen for several months. This will minimize the scarring.

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