Most small cuts don't present any danger to your child. But
bleeding from large cuts may require
immediate medical treatment. Depending on the type of wound
and its location, there can be damage to tendons and nerves.
What to Do:
For Minor Bleeding From a Small Cut or Abrasion (Scrape):
- Rinse the wound thoroughly with water to clean out dirt and
debris.
- Then wash the wound with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
(For minor wounds, it isn't necessary to use an antiseptic
solution to prevent infection, and some can cause allergic skin
reactions.)
- Cover the wound with a sterile adhesive bandage or sterile
gauze and adhesive tape.
- Examine the wound daily. If the bandage gets wet, remove it
and apply a new one. After the wound forms a scab, a bandage is
no longer necessary.
- Call your child's doctor if the wound is red, swollen,
tender, warm, or draining pus.
For Bleeding From a Large Cut or Laceration:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with water. This will allow you to
see the wound clearly and assess its size.
- Place a piece of sterile gauze or a clean cloth over the
entire wound. If available, use clean latex or rubber gloves to
protect yourself from exposure to possible infection from the
blood of a child who isn't your own. If you can, raise the
bleeding body part above the level of your child's heart. Do
not
apply a tourniquet.
- Using the palm of your hand on the gauze or cloth, apply
steady, direct pressure to the wound for 5 minutes. (During the 5
minutes, do
not
stop to check the wound or remove blood clots that may form on
the gauze.)
- If blood soaks through the gauze, do
not
remove it. Apply another gauze pad on top and continue applying
pressure.
- Call your child's doctor or seek immediate medical
attention for all large cuts or lacerations, or if:
- you're unable to stop the bleeding after 5 minutes of
pressure, or if the wound begins bleeding again (continue
applying pressure until help arrives)
- you're unable to clean out dirt and debris thoroughly,
or there' s something else stuck in the wound
- the wound is on your child's face or neck
- the injury was caused by an animal or human bite, burn,
electrical injury, or puncture wound (e.g., a nail)
- the cut is more than half an inch long or appears to be
deep - large or deep wounds can result in nerve or tendon
damage
If you have any doubt about whether stitches are needed, call
your child's doctor.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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