Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Cuts and Scratches (for Teenagers)
DESCRIPTION
Cuts are caused by sharp objects. Most cuts are superficial
and extend only partially through the skin. Cuts that need
stitches (sutures) are deep and leave the skin edges
separated. Also, deep cuts that are longer than 1/2 inch
(1/4 inch if on the face) need stitches.
HOME CARE
- Treatment
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any
bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- Cut off any pieces of loose skin using small scissors
(for torn skin with scrapes).
- Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a
Band-Aid or gauze. Wash the wound and change the
Band-Aid or gauze daily.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain
relief.
- Common mistakes in treating cuts and scratches
Don't use alcohol or Merthiolate on open wounds. They
sting and damage normal tissue.
Don't kiss an open wound because the wound will become
contaminated by the many germs in a person's mouth.
Let the scab fall off by itself; picking it off may
cause a scar.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- Bleeding doesn't stop after you have applied pressure
directly to the area of the cut for 10 minutes.
- The skin is split open and might need sutures.
- There is any dirt in the wound that you can't get out.
- The cut looks infected (for example, pus, redness, red
streaks).
Note: Lacerations (deep cuts) must be sutured within
12 hours of the time of injury, and they are much less
likely to become infected if they are sutured within
2 hours.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- You haven't had a tetanus booster in more than 10 years
(5 years if the cut is dirty).
- The wound doesn't heal by 10 days.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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