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Skin Injury

Description / Symptoms

  • Cuts, lacerations, gashes and tears
  • Scrapes, abrasions, scratches and floor burns
  • Bruises (bleeding into the skin) without an overlying cut or abrasion

When Sutures (Stitches) are Needed

Any cut that is split open or gaping probably needs sutures. Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) usually need sutures. On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) need sutures.

Any open wound that may need sutures should be checked and closed within 6 hours if possible.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one)

When to Call Your Doctor for Skin Injury

Call 911 Now If:

  • Major bleeding that can't be stopped

First Aid

Apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.

Call Your Doctor Now If:

  • You think your child has a serious injury
  • Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
  • Deep cut and can see bone or tendons
  • Skin is split open or gaping, especially on the face
  • Age < 1 year old
  • Dirt or grime in the wound is not removed after 15 minutes of scrubbing
  • Bicycle-spoke or washing machine wringer injury
  • Skin loss from bad scrape goes very deep
  • Skin loss involves > 10% of body surface (Note: the hand's surface equals 1%)
  • Cut or scrape looks infected (redness, red streak or pus)

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

  • You think your child needs to be seen
  • Several bruises occur without any known injury
  • Very large bruise follows a minor injury

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • No tetanus shot in > 10 years (5 years for dirty cuts at higher risk for tetanus)

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Bruises

  • Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the bruise for 20 minutes, once to stop the bleeding
  • After 48 hours apply a warm wet wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood

Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes

  • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding
  • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Caution: never soak a wound that might need sutures, because it may become more swollen and difficult to close)
  • For any dirt, scrub it gently with a washcloth
  • Cut off any pieces of loose skin using a fine scissors (cleaned with rubbing alcohol)
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily

Pain Medicine

Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • Looks infected (pus, redness, increasing tenderness)
  • Doesn't heal within 10 days
  • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms

Parent Care for Pediatric Symptoms. Copyright 2000-2006.