It’s natural to be concerned when your child gets hurt—whether it’s a scraped knee from a playground tumble or a small cut from an accident at home. Knowing how to care for your child’s wounds can help with proper healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Types of wounds in children
Understanding the type of wound your child has is the first step to providing proper care. The two most common types of wounds in kids are abrasions (scrapes) and lacerations (cuts).
Abrasions: These occur when the skin scrapes against a rough surface, like when your child falls and scrapes their knee. They usually don’t involve deep cuts but can cover a large surface area of the skin.
Lacerations: These are deeper cuts or tears in the skin, often from a sharp object or a fall. Superficial lacerations can often be treated at home, but deeper cuts may require closure with dermabond (medical glue), staples, or stitches.
Does my child’s wound need medical attention?
While many minor cuts can be treated at home, some wounds need medical closure. But how do you know when to seek help? If the cut is gaping– meaning the edges are far apart and don’t come together easily– it may require closure to prevent infection, speed healing, and minimize scarring.
Signs you need to see a clinician and/or need wound closure:
- The wound is deep, with edges that stay apart even when applying pressure.
- It was a deep puncture wound (such as stepping on a nail).
- Bleeding doesn’t stop after five minutes of direct pressure.
- The wound is over a joint or a high-tension area (such as the knees or elbows).
- The cut is on the face, particularly near sensitive areas like the lips or eyes.
- A human or animal bite caused the wound and broke the skin
- You cannot get the wound clean and still see significant debris inside
Common wound closure techniques
If a wound requires closure, there are several options your healthcare provider might consider. Each technique depends on the type of wound, its location, and depth.
Dermabond (medical glue) is commonly used for small, clean cuts, especially on the face, arms, and torso. It’s pain-free, quick, and less intimidating for children. However, dermabond cannot be used on joints, hands and feet, the scalp, areas with high moisture, or near the eyes.
Stitches are used for larger or jagged cuts, especially in areas where the skin moves or flexes (like over joints). Stitches help hold the wound together, promoting proper healing and reducing scarring. When preparing for stitches, the area is numbed. Depending on the location, they may be removable or dissolvable.
Staples are usually reserved for areas with thicker skin or joints (like the scalp). They provide a strong hold for wounds that experience more tension. Staples require professional removal after about 7-10 days.
How to care for wounds
Even for wounds that don’t require closure, proper home care is essential for avoiding infection and supporting healing. Here’s how to take care of your child’s wound in a few simple steps:
Stop the bleeding. For minor bleeding, apply pressure using a clean towel or gauze until the bleeding stops. If the wound continues to bleed after 5 minutes of pressure, seek medical attention.
Clean the wound. You can ditch the hydrogen peroxide– while it may kill bacteria, it also damages the healthy cells that help with healing. Instead, use a mild soap and water to clean the wound. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel afterward.
If your child needs dermabond, stitches, or staples, follow the directions for care. If your child requires dermabond, keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours and allow the dermabond to naturally fall off on it’s own. If your child requires stitches or staples, keep the area clean and dry for at least 24 hours and keep the wound covered to prevent dirt or bacteria from entering.
For healing wounds– keep it lubricated. To speed up healing and reduce scarring, keep the wound moist by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline or Aquaphor. This keeps the skin barrier healthy and prevents the wound from drying out and scabbing too quickly.
Avoid over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment. Though commonly used, products like Neosporin can cause allergic reactions because they contain neomycin. Instead, ask your healthcare provider if an alternative like Bacitracin is a better option for your child’s wound.
Keep the wound covered. Cover the wound with a clean bandage to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Avoid wrapping it too tightly, as circulation is important for healing. For young children, a colorful bandage can make it better!
Reduce the risk of scarring
One common concern for parents is how to prevent scarring after their child’s injury. While it’s nearly impossible to avoid scarring entirely, there are a few steps you can take to reduce its appearance.
- Keep the wound moist: Petroleum jelly helps prevent scabbing and promotes faster skin regeneration.
- Silicone sheets: Once the wound is closed and healed, silicone sheets like ScarAway can help flatten and reduce the appearance of scars. You need to read the packaging instructions for use and the recommended age.
- Protect the wound from sun: UV rays can darken scars, so it’s essential to keep the wound covered or apply sunscreen when the area is exposed to the sun.
- Avoid picking scabs: Encourage your child to not pick at the scab. Fun bandages and positive reinforcement can help with this.
Signs of infection to watch for
Wounds that are healing properly should show gradual improvement. However, if you notice any of the following signs, contact a healthcare provider immediately, as these could indicate infection:
- Increasing redness, swelling, or pain at the wound site, especially after the initial 48 hours
- Warmth around the wound
- Pus or unusual drainage
- A streaking red line extending out from the site of injury
- New onset fever, especially with any signs listed above
Looking for more on the wound healing process and what to expect from a visit to the clinician for a wound?
Accidents and injuries are a part of childhood, but with the right care, your child’s wound can heal properly with minimal scarring. Knowing when to seek medical attention, how to care for wounds, and the most common mistakes to avoid can help you feel prepared to care for your child’s wound.
Remember, your child’s clinician is always a resource if you have any concerns or questions about wound care.
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