Advice to parents following the insertion of staples

Why has my child had staples inserted?

Your child has a cut to the head. Metal staples have been put in to hold the edges together to help it heal. Although staples may look different from stitches, they work the same way.

Caring for your child with staples

Your child may complain of pain for a day or two after the cut has closed. This is not due to the staples, but to the cut itself. Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen may be given, following the dosage instructions on the bottle.

Points to note:

• Be careful when combing your child’s hair as the edges of the comb may accidentally become caught in the staples

• Do not use a hairdryer as the heat causes the metal staples to become very hot.

• Ensure your child’s head is covered from hot sun.

• If the cut becomes red, swollen or tender, it could mean that it is infected. If this should happen, contact your GP, who will advise you on what to do.

When will the staples be removed?

The staples should be removed after 5-7 days by your GP’s practice nurse.

Please contact your GP surgery the day after you attend the Emergency Department to arrange to have the staples removed (if it is the weekend, contact the surgery on the Monday).

If your GP surgery is unable to do this, you should reattend the Emergency Department.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please call us at the Emergency Department on 0131 312 0007.