Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Logo

Brain, Spinal Cord and Nerve Home Care

Cranial Incision Line Care

Related Services

Translation

Translation:

Spanish

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

What to expect 

If the incision line is ...

  • closed with dissolvable sutures, they will dissolve in about 10-14 days
  • closed with nylon sutures (black), they will nee to be removed in about 14 days
  • closed with staples, they will be removed in about 14 days
  • covered with steri strips, they will fall off on their own in about 1 week
    • The incision should be closed by this time
    • It is OK to wash the incision and steri strips, just don’t pull them off
      • Pat dry

Bathing 

Recommendations for caring for the incision:

  • Your child may shower on the second day after surgery
    • No tub baths are recommended so that soaking the incision in water doesn’t occur
    • A sponge bath is preferred for young children
  • Wash the incision EVERY DAY with mild soap and water or baby shampoo
    • Pat dry
    • Make sure that wet hair is off of the incision until the hair is dry
  • If the incision is on the head, please wash with a washcloth or small soft brush to loosen any scabs
    • Pat dry
  • NO swimming until the child’s first post-operative appointment

Activity 

  • Quiet activities are recommended for the first post-op week
  • Avoid rough housing and sports
  • If your child has a headache, give only Tylenol™ (acetaminophen)
    • Do not give Motrin™, ibuprophen or Advil™ unless directed to do so
  • No swimming until the first post-op appointment
  • Avoid exertion, heat, stress and fatigue
  • Prevent your child from scratching, picking or pulling at the incision
    • Place mittens or socks on their hands if necessary
  • While the incisions are in do not use any creams or ointments on the incision (unless specifically instructed to do so)
  • After the sutures are out, protect incision from the sun
    • Your child may wear a hat, scarf or sun block over the incision once it is healed

Diet 

Your child may resume his/her regular diet as soon as they are able. In some cases it is necessary for your child to have a bowel movement before leaving the hospital. Stool softeners or laxatives may be used if necessary.
Cranial incision line care.

When to call the doctor 

  • If the incision opens up, separates or has drainage.
  • If there are any signs or symptoms of infection, such as:
    • Redness
    • Swelling
    • Drainage
    • Warmth along the incision line
    • High fever within 7 days after surgery
    • Unusual drowsiness or irritability 


Rev. 6/09