The health care provider removed your child’s stitches. The wound is healing as it should. As it continues to heal, help prevent infection by taking good care of the cut.

• Some mild redness around the wound is normal. Check the wound every day to make sure the red area isn’t getting bigger.
• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• For the next 3 or 4 days, spread a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the wound twice a day. Then cover it with a bandage.
• When you or your child apply sunscreen, be sure to put it on the scar. This will help protect the scar from sunburn.

• The wound looks like it is opening up.
• Your child has signs of infection like redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound.

Why do cuts leave scars? A cut gets a scar when the body uses a protein (collagen) to help fill in the cut area. Scars are a natural part of healing. A scar can form even if a cut is fixed with stitches. Over time, some scars fade or get smaller.

Can a scar be prevented? A scar can’t be prevented, but you can do some things to make it less noticeable: 

• Scar massage: Gently rubbing the scar may soften or flatten it. Do this a few times a day after it has healed (about 3 weeks after stitches were removed). Ask your health care provider if you have questions about how to massage the scar.
• Sun protection: Always cover the area where the scar is. Stay in the shade, wear a hat, or cover the wound area with clothes. Use sunscreen that contains zinc/titanium oxide with at least a 30 SPF.