Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Home Care

Cranial Incision Line Care

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Activity | Diet | Bathing | What to expect | When to call the Doctor

Activity

  • Your child should sleep without lying on or placing pressure on the incision(s) for 2 weeks after surgery.
  • Gentle activities such as walking and quiet play are helpful.
  • Practice neck bending and turning exercises with your child 4 times per day.
  • Avoid rough-housing and sports until directed.
  • Avoid exertion, heat, stress and fatigue.
  • Prevent your child from picking, scratching or pulling at the incision line. Place mittens or socks on his / her hands if necessary.
  • While the sutures are in, do not use ointments or creams on the incision (unless specifically instructed to do so).
  • After the sutures are out, protect the incision from the sun for at least 6 months. Have your child wear a hat, scarf or sun block.

Diet

Give a regular diet for your child's age.
Cranial incision line care.

Bathing

If recommended by your child's doctor, follow the guidelines below for cleaning the incision.

  • Your child may bathe or shower by the third day after surgery. However, do not soak the incisions in water.
  • If the dressing is removed, you should wash incisions daily with baby shampoo or soap and water and pat dry; do not rub. Daily cleaning will allow absorbable stitches to dissolve more quickly.
  • If dressings remain in place, your child may bathe or shower. Do not soak dressings by laying in tub water.

What to expect

If the incision line is ...

  • covered by steri-strips, they may fall off on their own in about 4-5 days. The incision should be closed by this time.
  • closed with absorbable sutures, they will fall out in 10-14 days.
  • closed with sutures, dressings or staples, they are to be removed 7-10 days after surgery.
  • For headaches, give only acetaminophen (Tylenol") as needed.

Call your child's doctor

If the incision lines separate or drainage occurs.

If there are any signs or symptoms of infection, including:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Drainage
  • Warmth along the incision line
  • Fever within 7 days after surgery
  • Unusual drowsiness
  • Weakness of arms or legs
  • Seizures

Patient Education Program II 2026
Rev. 3/07