Cuts (Lacerations) and Scrapes (Abrasions) Follow-Up Guide

Understanding Cuts & Scrapes

What is it? Cuts go through all layers of the skin. Scrapes affect only the surface. With proper care, most heal quickly. Gentle cleaning, keeping the wound moist, and covering it can help prevent infection and reduce scarring.

Common Types

Cuts/Lacerations: Breaks in the skin that may be clean or jagged. Deep, wide, or over joints may need stitches.
Scrapes/Abrasions: Surface injuries from friction (like a fall). Usually heal without stitches but can still be sore.

When to Manage at Home

✅ You can manage your child's Cuts & Scrapes at home when:

Bleeding stops within 10 minutes of firm pressure.
The wound is small, clean, and not over joints/tendons.
No signs of infection (spreading redness, pus, swelling, warmth).
Your child can move the area normally.

How to Treat at Home

🏠 Home remedies for Cuts & Scrapes:

Stop bleeding: Hold firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze for 10 minutes without checking.
Clean: Rinse under lukewarm water; wash skin around the cut with mild soap.
- Avoid peroxide, iodine, or alcohol.
Protect: Keep moist with petroleum jelly. For dirty wounds, add a thin layer of antibiotic ointment before covering with a clean bandage.
Pain relief: Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen by weight.
- Never give aspirin to children.
Tetanus check: Dirty/high-risk wound → booster if >5 yrs since last dose; clean wound → booster if >10 yrs.

Safe Medications

When to Contact Poppins

📱 Contact us again when:

Bleeding stops with pressure but keeps returning and is not heavy at the moment.
You’re unsure if the wound is cleaned or dressed properly.
You have questions about medicines, prevention, or tetanus vaccination status.
New or worsening symptoms appear.

When to Visit Your Pediatrician

🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:

Cuts are deep, gaping, over joints, or may need stitches.
Signs of infection (spreading redness after 48–72 hrs, pus, swelling, fever).
Debris remains in the wound after cleaning.
Ongoing crusting or poor healing.

When to Go to the ER

🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:

Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
Appearing pale, weak, or unwell.
Experiencing heavy bleeding, dizziness, or fainting.
Has cuts from animal/human bites or punctures from dirty/rusty objects.
Injured involving tendons, joints, genitals, or a large facial wound.

If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.