RCH logo

Kids Health Info

Glue and stitches care

  • Key points

    • If your child has a wound (skin injury), a health professional may need to glue or stitch it back together.
    • Glue and stitches hold wounds together so the skin and tissue can heal.
    • Glue is usually simpler and easier for treating a child’s wound.
    • Make sure to follow wound care instructions from a health professional.
    • Keep the wound dry and do not let your child pick or scratch at it.
    • Take your child to see their doctor if their wound shows signs of infection, such as more redness, swelling, or pain that does not improve with pain-relief medicine.
    • If a stitch falls out and your child’s wound is bleeding or open, you should take them to see their doctor.

    What is wound glue?

    Wound glue is a special glue that sticks the sides of an open wound (skin injury) together. It is very strong – similar to super glue – and only takes a few minutes to dry. The glue dries clear, so you will be able to see the wound. It should wear away by itself after five to 10 days.

    Glue is usually a simpler and easier way to treat a child’s wound. However, not all wounds can be glued.


    Young child with pale skin having a forehead wound glued together by doctor in blue surgical gloves.

    Figure one: Young child having a forehead wound glued together.

    Wound closure strips

    Sometimes, health professionals will put wound closure strips (thin, sticky bandages) on top of stitches or glue to add an extra layer of protection. If your child only has a minor cut, they may just need wound closure strips.

    Wound closure strips will fall off by themselves after about one week. You may need to trim the edges of the strips if they start lifting, or put new ones on if they get dirty.

    Young child with a forehead wound glued together, and a wound closure strip on top

    Figure two: Young child with a forehead wound glued together, and a wound closure strip on top.

    What are stitches?

    Stitches or ‘sutures’ are loops of special string that hold a wound together so the skin and tissue can heal. Health professionals use a curved needle to put in stitches.

    There are two types of stitches:

    • Absorbable (also called dissolvable) stitches break down over time and will dissolve on their own.
    • Non-absorbable (also called non-dissolvable) stitches last longer; a health professional will need to remove them.

    If your child needs stitches, a health professional will tell you which type they have used.

    How do I know if my child's cut needs glue or stitches?

    Not all cuts need to be glued or stitched back together – many will heal on their own.

    As a guide, your child’s wound may need glue if it is:

    • small
    • shallow
    • not in a tense area, such as the leg.

    The wound may need stitches if it is:

    • large
    • deep
    • gaping open
    • bleeding a lot
    • near a moist area, such as the mouth
    • on the neck, or a tense area, such as a joint.

    If you are not sure whether your child’s wound needs medical care, it is best to speak with a doctor.

    How to care for stitches and glue at home

    After medical care

    • Your child's wound will be a bit sore and swollen for two or three days. These symptoms should get better as the wound starts healing.
    • The wound may leak a little bit of blood or clear fluid; this is common and usually not a problem.
    • Help your child keep the wound dry. This means putting plastic over the wound when they bathe or shower, and patting it dry if it gets wet.
      • Glue can get a little wet after two days. However, do not soak it in water until after one week. Your child should still avoid swimming and baths.
      • Absorbable stitches should be kept dry for five days.
      • Non-absorbable stitches should be kept dry until a health professional removes them.
    • It is important not to let your child rub, scratch, or pick at the wound. This includes the glue or stitches.
    • Do not rub creams or ointments over wound glue. This may cause it to soften and come off.
    • Watch for signs of infection, such as more redness, swelling, ooze, pus, or pain that does not get better with pain-relief medicine. The wound may also smell and cause a fever (temperature of 38°C or more).

    Child with infected wound on eyelid; the eye area is red, swollen, and the wound is oozing pus

    Figure three: Child with an infected wound on their eyelid.

    One week later

    • Glue and wound closure tape: Wound glue and closure strips should start coming off naturally. It may take up to three weeks for them to completely fall off.
      • If the wound is healing well, you could gently massage petroleum jelly or moisturiser into it to help the glue dissolve.
    • Absorbable stitches: These stitches should start to break down after a week or two, but some will take longer.
      • A health professional will tell you what to expect when they stitch the wound.
    • Non-absorbable stitches: Often, non-absorbable stitches are ready to be removed after one to two weeks, but the time is different for every wound.
      • A health professional will tell you how long your child’s non-absorbable stitches need to stay in.
      • Your child’s regular doctor can usually remove most non-absorbable stitches.

    Long-term care

    All wounds leave scars. Health professionals always aim to reduce scarring when stitching or gluing a wound; however, some people are more prone to scarring than others.

    • Most scars will look red or purple and eventually fade to light pink, white or nearly invisible over time.
    • Cover the wound with sunscreen and clothing (or a hat, if required) to protect it from the sun.

    Young child with pale skin and a white healed scar

    Figure four: Young child with a small, pale scar on their forehead.

    When to get help

    Call an ambulance (000) if:
    • your child’s wound has split open and is spurting blood.
      • apply pressure to the wound while you wait for the ambulance.

    See a doctor or health professional if:
    • your child’s wound shows signs of infection, such as more redness, swelling, heat, pus, or they have a fever (temperature of 38°C or more).
    • the glue has come off your child’s wound, and it is open or bleeding.
    • any stitches fall out of your child’s wound, and it is open or bleeding.
    • your child has non-absorbable stitches that need to be removed.

    Look after your child at home if:
    • their wound is healing well, with no signs of infection.

    Common questions about stitches and glue

    Are stitches better than glue for a wound?

    Glue and wound closure strips are much simpler and easier for treating a child’s wound. This is because it is a quicker and often painless process. For minor wounds, glue gives similar or better cosmetic results to stitches.

    Some wounds cannot be glued back together. For example, large, deep, complex wounds, and those near joints or moist areas often need stitches.

    Are staples ever used to treat a child’s wound?

    Although they are common for adults, staples are rarely used to treat children's wounds. In some cases, doctors may use them to close larger cuts and lacerations. Caring for the staples is similar to non-absorbable stitches.

    How long do stitches take to dissolve?

    It may take up to two weeks for stitches to dissolve, or longer in some cases.

    What can I do to stop my child from scratching their wound?

    It is normal for wounds to be itchy as they heal. If your child is old enough to understand, explain that scratching will stop the cut from healing properly. For younger children, wearing mittens may prevent them from scratching. You can cover the wound with a loose, non-stick dressing if your child cannot stop scratching it. Make sure you change the dressing regularly so the wound can air out.

    Can my child go to childcare or school with wound glue or stitches?

    Your child can go to childcare or school with wound glue or stitches, as long as they are not in much pain. It is best to tell relevant staff about the wound. You may want to put a loose non-stick dressing on the wound to protect it. Your child should avoid rough play while they are healing, as this may reopen the wound.

    How long after wound glue or stitches can my child go swimming?

    If your child has had their wound glued, they can usually swim again after one week. They should avoid swimming for five days after getting absorbable stitches. Non-absorbable stitches are a little different; your child should keep them dry until a health professional removes them.

    How long after wound glue or stitches can my child go back to normal activities?

    It is important for your child to avoid active play and sports while their wound is healing. This will keep the wound clean and reduce the risk of infection. It will also stop the stitches or glue from splitting open. If you have questions about your child’s wound and its healing process, it is best to speak with your child’s doctor.

    What if I am unhappy with my child’s scar?

    Most scars take about 12 months to properly heal, changing from red or purple to light pink and eventually fading to white or becoming almost invisible.

    If you are unhappy with your child's scar, you can ask their doctor for a referral to a plastic surgeon. They will be able to share more information about scar revision and other possible treatments.

    For more information


    Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

    Reviewed July 2026

    Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.


Disclaimer

This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout. The onus is on you, the user, to ensure that you have downloaded the most up-to-date version of a consumer health information handout.

Updated July 2025

Submit feedback