Hi all - I am back ... and need some advice

 IMHO, he shouldn't lick his stitches and a lampshade collar may be in order until he heals.  Welcome back!

 I wouldn't use baby powder as it is formulated for humans skin, which has a different pH to dogs'.  I think Savlon is ok though.... not sure if you have that there?  If so could ask your vet about it?

A busta collar (the lampshade doodah) is in order to keep him from licking those stitches

Since the sutures have been removed, I would probably apply hydrocortisone cream around where the sutures were.  Distract him for a bit while the cream absorbs.  That will probably help take the itch away.

 Since his stitches are out, its likely the itch of healing that he's licking at.  Possibly the fur growing back as well, but if he licks at it too much he could aggrivate it.  As long as nothing is open, I would use Goldbond powder on it.  I used Goldbond when Crusher had a hotspot and it worked like a charm.  He didn't like the smell of it and wouldn't lick at it, not that he really could since it was on his throat, but before I put it on, he was trying. 

Thank you all so much.  It is appreciated.  I actually called the assisting surgeon who recommended the Goldbond powder as well.  She said its the fur growing back thats making Riley bonkers.  He gets so frustrated he lays on it ... poor thing . 

My Maggie gave herself a hot spot from licking at a shaved spot from a catheter - it's not somethign to let go on for long for sure!

I just used bitter apple to prevent the licking, and applied a tea tree spray to the site beforehand.