Advice to parents following the insertion of stitches

Why has my child had stitches inserted?

Your child has a cut and stitches have been used to hold the edges to help it heal. The stitches may be covered with a dressing.

Caring for your child with stitches

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

When will the stitches be removed?

The stitches should be removed on the date advised by your GP or Practice Nurse. If there is a dressing, it should stay on and be kept clean and dry until that date.

You should contact your GP or Practice Nurse if any of the following occurs:

• If the cut is leaking and wets the dressing

• If the dressing gets wet and falls off

• If your child complains of the pain becoming much worse

• If you see redness and swelling around the dressing.

Contact Information

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