Injuries and Sutures are common in children. Every year millions of children get sutures or stitches in face and other body parts in the emergency room. Active children tend to forget safety procedures and get injured while playing. Accidents while playing are common but must be addressed carefully.

First Aid

When there is an accident and your child is injured, take the kid aside and apply first aid. Clean the surface with tap water and use napkins or paper towels to stop the bleeding.

If the cut is minor, apply antiseptic cream and bandaid. If the cut is major and bleeds profusely, apply pressure on the area and put a towel on the injured part.

Hospital

Visit a nearby hospital or emergency room. Complete the formalities and let the nurse and doctor decide the course of action. You may be too anxious, but be patient and wait until the treatment is completed.

If there are sutures, instruct your child to cooperate with the doctor while applying the sutures. Ask the doctor how to care and food restrictions.

Sutures – Care

In general, nonabsorbent material are used for facial sutures and absorbable material are used for gynecology sutures. It is better to keep the child safe at home while the sutures are on. Here are some general care instructions to heal sutures.

• Remove the bandage after 12 to 24 hours
• Clean and dry the wound area twice a day
• Wash the area with soap water and pat with a dry towel
• Apply antiseptic cream and let it dry
• Do not overuse the antiseptic cream, small amounts about your finger tip may be sufficient
• Use loose fitting clothes for your kid so that the clothes may not disturb the sutures
• Observe the wound area, for redness, swelling, pus, cracks and so on
• Follow normal food for your child and take care that the food may not affect the sutures
• Pulses are a good source of protein, but may result in pus formation
• Milk is a good food and rice and smooth food which your kid likes may be best

Nonabsorbent sutures must be removed after five days. So, visit your doctor and get them removed. Let the doctor check thoroughly and confirm.

Any cut skin and suture will leave a scar on the surface. The kid’s injury may be painful more than self. But, it will be a sweet memory for your kid’s active play and happy childhood. 🙂