Cut | Scrape
Is this your child's symptom?
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Injuries to the skin anywhere on the body surface
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Includes cuts, scratches, scrapes, bruises and swelling
Types of Skin Injury
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Cuts, lacerations, gashes and tears. These are wounds that go through the skin to the fat tissue. Caused by a sharp object.
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Scrapes, abrasions, scratches and floor burns. These are surface wounds that don't go all the way through the skin. Scrapes are common on the knees, elbows and palms.
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Bruises. These are bleeding into the skin from damaged blood vessels. Caused by a blunt object. They can occur without a cut or scrape.
When Sutures (Stitches) are Needed for Cuts
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Any cut that is split open or gaping needs sutures.
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Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) usually need sutures.
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On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) usually need to be seen. They usually need closure with sutures or skin glue.
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Any open wound that may need sutures should be seen as soon as possible. Ideally, they should be checked and closed within 6 hours. Reason: To prevent wound infections. There is no cutoff, however, for treating open wounds.
Cuts Versus Scratches: Helping You Decide
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The skin is about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
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A cut (laceration) goes through it.
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A scratch or scrape (wide scratch) doesn't go through the skin.
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Cuts that gape open at rest or with movement need stitches to prevent scarring.
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Scrapes and scratches never need stitches, no matter how long they are.
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So this distinction is important.
When To Call For Scrape
Call 911 Now
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Major bleeding that can't be stopped
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Deep cut to chest, stomach, head or neck (such as with a knife)
Call Doctor Now or Go to ER
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Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
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Severe pain and not improved 2 hours after taking pain medicine
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Age under 1 year old
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Dirt in the wound is not gone after 15 minutes of scrubbing
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Skin loss from bad scrape goes very deep
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Bad scrape covers large area
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Cut or scrape looks infected (spreading redness, red streak)
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Cut or scrape and no past tetanus shots
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You think your child has a serious injury
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You think your child needs to be seen, and the problem is urgent
Call Doctor Within 24 Hours
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Very large bruise after a minor injury
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Some bruises appear without any known injury
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You think your child needs to be seen, but the problem is not urgent
Call Doctor During Office Hours
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Dirty cut and no tetanus shot in over 5 years
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Clean cut and no tetanus shot in over 10 years
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Doesn't heal by 10 days
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You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home
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Minor cut, scrape or bruise
Care Advice for Minor Cuts, Scrapes or Bruises
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Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes - Treatment:
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Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. Do this for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
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Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Try to rinse the cut under running water.
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Caution: Never soak a wound that might need sutures. Reason: It may become more swollen and harder to close.
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Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
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Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed. Then, cover it with a bandage (such as Band-Aid). Change daily.
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Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
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Liquid skin bandage seals wounds with a plastic coating. It lasts up to 1 week.
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Liquid skin bandage has several benefits compared to other bandages (such as Band-Aid). Liquid bandage only needs to be put on once. It seals the wound and may promote faster healing and lower infection rates. Also, it's water-proof.
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Wash and dry the wound first. Then, put on the liquid. It comes with a brush or swab. It dries in less than a minute.
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You can get this product at a drugstore near you. There are many brands of liquid bandage. No prescription is needed.
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Bruises - Treatment:
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Use a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth. Put it on the bruise once for 20 minutes. This will help to stop the bleeding.
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After 48 hours, use a warm wet wash cloth. Do this for 10 minutes 3 times per day. This helps to reabsorb the blood.
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Pain Medicine:
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To help with the pain, give an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
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Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
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Use as needed.
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Tetanus Shot:
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A tetanus shot update may be needed for cuts and other open wounds.
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Check your vaccine records to see when your child got the last one.
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For Dirty Cuts and Scrapes. If last tetanus shot was given over 5 years ago, need a booster.
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For Clean Cuts. If last tetanus shot was given over 10 years ago, need a booster.
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See your child's doctor for a booster during regular office hours. It's safe to give it within 3 days or less.
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What to Expect:
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Small cuts and scrapes heal up in less than a week.
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Call Your Doctor If:
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Bleeding does not stop after using direct pressure to the cut
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Starts to look infected (pus, redness)
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Doesn't heal by 10 days
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You think your child needs to be seen
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Your child becomes worse
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And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Copyright 1994-2017 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC. All rights reserved.