Chin Laceration, Stitches or Tape

Home care

These guidelines will help as your laceration heals:

• If a bandage was applied and it becomes wet or dirty, replace it. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours, then change it once a day or as directed.

• If stitches were used, clean the wound daily:

  • Always wash your hands before and after cleaning the wound and changing the dressing.

  • Wash the area with soap and water. Use water on a cotton swab to loosen and remove any blood or crust that forms.

  • After cleaning, keep the wound clean and gently pat the area dry.

  • Talk with your doctor before applying any antibiotic ointment to the wound.

  • Reapply the bandage or dressing as you were instructed. Avoid touching the side of the bandage that is next to the wound so that it stays clean.

  • You may shower as usual after the first 24 hours. But don't soak the area in water until the stitches are removed. This means no tub baths or swimming.

• If surgical tape was used, keep the area clean and dry. If it becomes wet, gently blot it dry with a towel.

• Follow your doctor's instructions about using an antibiotic cream, ointment, or pills to prevent infection. Don't stop using this medicine until you have finished it, or your doctor tells you to stop.

• Follow your doctor's instructions if you have been prescribed medicine for pain. You may use over-the-counter pain medicine if no other pain medicine was prescribed. Talk with your doctor before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease. Also talk with your doctor if you have ever had a stomach ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding or are taking blood thinners.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor as advised. Most chin lacerations heal in 5 to 7 days. But your wound may become infected even with correct treatment. You should check the wound daily for signs of infection listed below. Stitches should be removed from the chin within 5 days. If tape closures were used, remove them yourself if they haven't fallen off after 5 days.

When to get medical care

Contact your doctor right away if:

• Pain in the wound that gets worse.

• Redness, swelling, or pus comes from the wound.

• You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.

• You have chills.

• Wound edges reopen.

• Stitches come apart or surgical tape falls off before 5 days.