See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one):

• It's a puncture, see Puncture Wound
• There's a sliver in the skin, see Splinter or Sliver
• Injury looks infected, see Wound Infection

DEFINITION

• Cuts, lacerations, gashes and tears
• Scrapes, abrasions, scratches and floor burns
• Bruises (bleeding into the skin) without an overlying cut or abrasion

When Sutures (stitches) are Needed

• Any cut that is split open or gaping probably needs sutures.
• Cuts longer than ½ inch (12 mm) usually need sutures.
• On the face, cuts longer than ¼ inch (6 mm) need closure with sutures or skin glue.
• Any open wound that may need sutures should be checked and closed as soon as possible. There is no cutoff, however, for treating open wounds to prevent wound infections.

Cuts Versus Scratches: Helping You Decide

• The skin (dermis) is 2 mm thick.
• A cut (laceration) goes through it.  
• A scratch or scrape (wide scratch) doesn't go through it.
• Cuts that gape open at rest or are long, need closure to prevent scarring.
• Scrapes never need closure, no matter how long they are.
• So this distinction is important.

First Aid Advice For Severe Bleeding:

• Place 2 or 3 sterile dressings (or a clean towel or washcloth) over the wound immediately.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound, using your entire hand.
• If bleeding continues, apply pressure more forcefully or to a slightly different spot.
• Act quickly because ongoing blood loss can cause shock.

First Aid Advice for Shock: Lie down with the feet elevated.

First Aid Advice for Penetrating Object: If penetrating object still in place, don't remove it (Reason: removal could increase internal bleeding).

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR BRUISES, CUTS AND SCRAPES

1. Bruises:
   • Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the bruise once for 20 minutes to stop the bleeding.
   • After 48 hours apply a warm wet wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
2. Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes
   • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Caution: never soak a wound that might need sutures, because it may become more swollen and difficult to close.)
   • Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
   • Cut off any pieces of loose skin using a fine scissors (cleaned with rubbing alcohol).
   • Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
3. Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
   • Liquid skin bandage is a new product that seals wounds with a plastic coating that lasts up to 1 week.
   • Liquid skin bandage has several benefits when compared to a regular bandage (e.g., a dressing or a Band-Aid). Liquid Bandage only needs to be applied once to minor cuts and scrapes. It helps stop minor bleeding. It seals the wound and may promote faster healing and lower infection rates. However, it is also more expensive.
   • After the wound is washed and dried, the liquid is applied by spray or with a swab. It dries in less than a minute. It's resistant to bathing.
   • This new product is available at your local pharmacy.
4. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
5. Call Us If:
   • Looks infected (pus, redness, increasing tenderness)
   • Doesn't heal within 10 days
   • Your child becomes worse

Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 3/15/2008

Last Revised: 6/24/2008