the wound doesnt have to be covered---you dont have to keep it dry or anyting like that---i had massive surgery and they told me to shower all i wanted. and it was uncovered. as for cleaning it just put hydrogen peroxide on it and some neosporine and it will be fine. to minimize scaring uuse vitamine e oil on it.

the antibiotic is to prevent infection---as long as she takes all of it and you use the triple antibiotic on it she will be fine

I would do exactly as the doctor orders. Some stitches are cared for differently depending on where they are, and what kind of stitching method is used, and the material used. If you want to minimize scarring, it's best to ask for cosmetic stitching, and maybe the advice of a plastic surgeon. Here is a site that I trust is good information:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/8/t085600.a sp

FOUR OPTIONS FOR CLOSING A CUT

There are four ways to close a cut. Your doctor will discuss these options with you:

1. Steri-strips. Also known as "butterfly" strips, these narrow strips are placed over the cut, with a bit of tension to keep it closed. A sticky liquid is placed on the skin to hold the strips on. These generally stay on for 2 to 5 days if kept dry and not accidentally pulled off. These are used for cuts that are small, not gaping open, not very deep and not over a joint or area of skin tension. If they stay in place for at least three days, the outcome can be just as good as stitches or even better because steri-strips avoid the "railroad track" appearance of some stitch lines. A big advantage is that they are quick and painless. A disadvantage is that they are not as strong and will not stay in place as long as stitches.

2. Stitches. These have the advantage of providing more strength and little to no risk of being pulled off too soon. An obvious disadvantage is the time and pain involved in putting them in.

3. Skin super glue. This is a skin glue that is applied by rubbing it over the cut while the cut is being held closed. It has the advantage of being quick and painless. It is a good choice for clean, straight cuts that are not gaping too much nor under tension. If you are hesitant to put your child through the trauma of stitches, but steri-strips are not enough, then this may be an option. If done well, the cosmetic outcome is the same as stitches.

4. Staples. These are often used in the scalp (within the hair). They are very fast, and close the cut almost as well as stitches.
WHO SHOULD DO THE STITCHES? A PLASTIC SURGEON, THE PEDIATRICIAN, OR AN ER DOCTOR?

No matter who does the stitches, there will be at least a slight scar. Even the best plastic surgeon in the world will leave a scar. It is, however, important to minimize the scar. Parents are naturally worried about this. Here are some suggestions on deciding where to have the stitches done.

* Plastic surgeon. The most common reason to use a plastic surgeon is for cuts on the face. An ER doctor or pediatrician could easily handle very small cuts on the face, but a plastic surgeon will be most able to minimize the scar. You can have the stitches done in the surgeon's office or in an ER by the surgeon.
* ER doctors have the advantage over pediatricians of doing stitches more often. They often put in stitches several times a day. This allows an ER physician to become quite skilled in stitches.
* Your pediatrician. For simple cuts anywhere besides the face, your pediatrician is probably the best place to go for the stitches, unless the office is very busy that day. Remember, there will be a scar no matter who does the stitches. Your pediatrician will do an excellent job in minimizing the scar.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF THE WOUND AFTER IT IS CLOSED?

Ask your doctor for some specific guidelines on proper wound care. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

* For 24 to 48 hours, do not allow it to get wet in the bath or shower.
* After 48 hours, it is ok to get the wound wet.
* Steri-strips are an exception. Keep them dry for at least 5 days. After that, they have been on long enough and you may get them wet to encourage them to come off. Do not pull them off unless they come off easily.
* Avoid the build-up of a scab. A thick scab within the wound can increase the scar and prevent the skin from growing together well. You can prevent scab build-up by dabbing diluted peroxide (½ water mixed with ½ peroxide) to the wound and then gently removing any loose scab. Do not pick away any scab that is still firmly stuck. Wait for it to loosen up from the peroxide. Do this twice a day.
* Apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.
* Keep the wound covered for at least 48 hours. You can continue to cover it if it is convenient to do so for several more days.

WHAT CAN I DO FOR THE LONG-TERM TO MINIMIZE THE SCAR?

* Sun protection. Damaged skin is very susceptible to becoming permanently discolored by the sun for up to 6 months following an injury. It is very important to minimize sun exposure to the healing cut. Keep it covered with a hat or clothing as much as possible. When necessary (especially for long days at the park, beach, or swimming pool), apply a strong sunscreen or even a sun block (the white stuff that doesn't soak in). Do not apply sunscreen until two weeks after the cut.
* Flax seed oil. This is an oil you can buy in a nutrition store. It contains all the essential fats that are necessary for skin to grow and heal itself. It is not proven that this actually helps for sure, but theoretically it will. It is very healthy to take anyway, even without a wound. Give 1 tsp each day for infants, and 2 tsp for children mixed in a smoothie. Do not apply the oil to the skin; it needs to work internally.
* Vitamin E oil. You can rub this oil onto the cut after the stitches are removed. There is not a definite proven benefit, but it may help the healing.

WHEN DO I GET THE STITCHES REMOVED?

* Face. These should be removed in 3 to 5 days. Why so soon? Because by five days the stitch thread starts to react with the skin and this can leave a mark for each stitch. If the stitches are not turning red where they enter the skin, then it is best to wait the full 5 days. If a stitch reaction is occurring sooner, then see your doctor before 5 days to consider having them removed. Your doctor may put steri-strips over the cut to provide a few more days of strength. Do not wait more than 5 days.
* Body and scalp. (within the hair) 7 to 10 days.
* Extremities. 10 to 14 days. If the stitches are done over a joint area that bends and stretches, then you should wait 14 days. If not, then 10 days is enough.
* Ask the doctor who puts in the stitches when they should be removed.

HOW CAN I TELL WHEN IT'S GETTING INFECTED?
Over the first few days it is normal for the skin around cuts and scrapes to turn slightly red. If the redness continues to spread, your child develops a fever, or you see a foul- smelling greenish discharge from the wound, see or call your doctor. Your child may need an antibiotic by mouth. It is generally not necessary to page the doctor overnight for this. It can wait until morning.