Suture Care for a normal sutured wound

• Keep sutured wounds completely dry for first 24 hours (4 hours for Dermabond skin glue). If needed, use a sponge bath.
• After 24 hours, can take brief showers.
• Avoid swimming, baths or soaking the wound until sutures are removed or Dermabond has fallen off. (Reason: Water in the wound can interfere with healing).
• Apply antibiotic ointment 3 times a day (Reason: to prevent infection and a thick scab). (Caution: don't apply any ointments or creams to Dermabond skin glue)
• Cleanse with warm water once daily or if becomes soiled.
• Change wound dressing when wet or soiled.
• Dressing no longer needed when edge of wound closed (usually 48 hours). EXCEPTION: dressing needed to prevent sutures from catching on clothing.
• For pain relief, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed (see Dosage table).