Home care for lacerations that required stitches or staples includes:
- Gently dab the wound with hydrogen peroxide to remove clotted blood or drainage. Do not scrub or re-injure the wound.
- Use hydrogen peroxide to remove scabs that form on the face only. Do not remove a clean scab that forms on other regions of the body.
- Dry the wound gently, and completely, with a clean towel or gauze.
- Continue to watch closely for signs of infection.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Cover the wound with gauze or an elastic bandage.
General Guidelines for Suture Removal- Face: 4 to 5 days
- Scalp: 7 days
- Neck: 7 days
- Trunk: 10 days
- Extremities: 10 to 14 days
Sutures may need to stay in longer when the laceration is over a joint, or in an area that is under a lot of
stress, such as the palm of the hand or sole of the foot.
