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
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