Question about stitches

**slkirk22** · 03-19-2009, 05:44 PM

My DD just got 8 stitches in her hand on Tues we are supposed to go to a birthday party at a pool is it ok for her to swim in a cholorinated pool with stitches?

**Advertisement** · 03-19-2009 05:44 PM

***buttrfli*** · 03-19-2009, 05:53 PM

I haven't had stitches in a LONG time, but back then you couldn't get them wet.

Not sure if you want her swimming in a pool and risk getting an infection in the wound tho.

**2many** · 03-19-2009, 07:52 PM

I know that when my daughter had stitches a few years back, the doctor said that she couldnt get them wet.

**ilovecats** · 03-19-2009, 08:01 PM

I found this

http://stanford.wellsphere.com/gener...-sutures/33958

If you have stitches (also known as sutures) your main priority is to protect them from the elements, as well as keeping an eye on how the wound looks from time to time.

To lower your chances of developing an infection, always keep your stitches dry and clean. And, never go swimming if you have stitches.

Try to resist the urge to scratch your stitches, as even though they are strong, you may still be able to damage them.
Children

If your child has stitches, make sure they avoid playing with water, mud, sand, or paint. These could make the wound area sore, and also cause infection. If you or your child has stitches it's also best that contact sports (such as football or hockey) are avoided. This will give the wound, where the stitches are, the best possible chance to heal.

Because stitches are prone to infection, your doctor may prescribe you with antibiotic ointment (such as betadine). It is likely you will need to spread this over your stitches for at least the first few days after the suturing (when the wound is stitched up). It's important to let your doctor know immediately if you begin to develop a rash due to the ointment.
Signs of infection

Not only should you protect your stitches, but it is also important to pay close attention to them, so that you can spot the early signs of an infection. Signs of an infection include:

* swelling,
* discoloring,
* puss,
* smelly odor, or
* high temperature (fever).

**slkirk22** · 03-20-2009, 05:28 AM

Thanks I wasnt sure because the doctor told me to clean them with soap and water so i wasnt sure if she could get them wet or not.

**Lild** · 03-20-2009, 06:01 AM

I had some a in Feb. my Dr told me a shower was ok, a bath wasn't and no swimming or hot tubs until day 7.
Hope she has a speedy recovery!

**shana1** · 03-21-2009, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by Lild

I had some a in Feb. my Dr told me a shower was ok, a bath wasn't and no swimming or hot tubs until day 7.
Hope she has a speedy recovery!

Ya this, my dh just had surgery and has stitches and the doctor told him he couldn't get it wet for the first week.

**April78945** · 03-22-2009, 01:10 PM

Well hmm. My DD had stitches in her leg from a toy when she was 2 and hr dr never said a thing about them getting wet. *******. I'm glad I changed dr's

**Heidi** · 03-22-2009, 05:57 PM

"chemicals in the pool water could affect the integrity of the stitching material-which could cause them to dissolve-reopening the wound-which could then lead to possible infection."

Not only that, but all the bacteria's in pools, not a good idea.

**Jackie_Blu** · 03-22-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by Heidi

"chemicals in the pool water could affect the integrity of the stitching material-which could cause them to dissolve-reopening the wound-which could then lead to possible infection."

Not only that, but all the bacteria's in pools, not a good idea.

yeah, would be too scary to think about til it heals some IMO

BTW, Heidi......those dolls in your avi are adorable....esp. the bigger one

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