05/06/2026
Scrapes and cuts are badges of kid-dom. Know how to handle them!
Immediate First Aid ⛑️
👉 Inspect the cut. Wash the area with water and mild soap if it is very dirty to get a good look at it if possible. Use gloves if you have them. If your gut feeling is that it is too deep or severe, go to the ED immediately.
👉 Apply pressure with clean gauze (or paper towel, napkin or tissue if that's what is available). Hold for 5-10 minutes - no peeking! This continuous pressure will stop most bleeding cuts.
👉 If the blood soaks through the gauze, just put another one on top of the first one. Don't remove it or the bleeding may restart.
👉 If the cut seems superficial, is not gaping open and the bleeding stops, then wash the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and a bandaid.
When to Call the Doctors Office ☎️
👉 If the cut is gaping open, is less than 2 inches in size and has straight edges, it may be possible to use surgical glue in the office to repair the laceration.
👉 If there is a puncture wound - for example if your child stepped on a nail.
👉 If an animal or human bite occurred. These injuries may need antibiotics to prevent infection.
👉 If your child need a tetanus booster. Call us if it has been over 5 years from the date of the most recent tetanus vaccine to the date of the injury.
When to Go to the Emergency Room🚨
👉 If there is something stuck in the laceration that would need removal (glass, gravel, etc).
👉 If blood is spurting out - this may indicate a damaged artery or blood vessel.
👉 If you cannot stop the bleeding after 10 minutes of applying continuous pressure.
👉 If the cut is very deep, very long, or has jagged edges, it probably needs stitches.
👉 Any cut on the face may need special attention to avoid unnecessary scarring.
Bonus Tips 🎯
👉 If a body part has been cut off (like a finger tip), put it in a clean baggie on ice if possible while you are going to the ER. The doctors may be able to reattach it.
👉 If you think it may need stitches, don’t wait! A laceration must be repaired within 12-18 hrs to limit the risk for infection.
