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Most typical toddler cuts will stop bleeding on their own, but if your kid’s scrape won’t stop after five to 10 minutes of applying direct pressure or if the wound is spurting blood, then it’s time to get to the emergency room. The doctor will verify that the stitches are ready to come out and that the area is healing properly.How long does it take for a cut to stop bleeding? It's easy to mistakenly leave in a portion of a stitch, and if your child decides not to cooperate, you may cause more damage.
#Cut fingers with staples skin#
Once the cut has healed, be diligent about using sunscreen on it – for several months, at least – to protect the new skin and minimize scarring. Your child's doctor may recommend applying a moisturizer, ointment, or oil to the cut once the stitches are removed to promote healing and minimize scarring. Sometimes stitches that dissolve on their own are used – when a cut requires multiple layers of stitching, for example, or when the stitches are in the nail bed, or on the tongue or face. Most stitches require a return visit for removal, usually in 5 to 14 days, depending on where they're located. What are potential problems with stitches?Ĭall your doctor right away if the cut opens or if you see any of these signs of infection: Have your child avoid activity that might cause the wound to reopen.Avoid soaking the stitches in water (in a bath or pool, for example), which can slow healing.Give your child the appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve any pain once the anesthesia wears off.Apply a thin film of antibiotic ointment (unless surgical glue was used) after drying the wound, before replacing the bandage.Keep the area clean and dry, but wait for a day or two before gently washing it with soap and warm water and gently patting dry with a clean towel.Keep the area covered with a bandage for a few days.How do I care for my child after she gets stitches?įollow the doctor's instructions for caring for the stitched wound. Your child will return to the doctor's to have them removed typically in 7 to 14 days. Staples: Staples are sometimes used for lacerations that have straight, sharp edges, especially on the scalp.They're usually left on until they fall off on their own (in a few days). Wound-closure adhesive strips: These adhesive bandages are sometimes used in place of stitches on lacerations that are not too deep.It's quick to apply, doesn't need to be kept dry, and flakes off in about seven to 10 days instead of having to be removed like stitches. (The forehead is a good candidate.) Applying surgical skin glue is painless, although the doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to make application easier if it hurts to touch the wound. It's especially useful for cuts with even, straight edges in areas that won't receive a lot of tension. Surgical skin glue: This skin glue forms an adhesive bond over a wound within a minute of touching the skin.
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If the cut or puncture wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object, he'll also want to make sure that your child's Tdap vaccine, which protects from tetanus, is up to date. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. What will happen at the hospital?ĭepending on the object that cut your child, the area may need to be X-rayed to see whether any pieces or debris still need to be removed. After that, the stitches may not hold as well, and an infection is more likely. How quickly do the stitches need to be sutured?įor best results, get stitches within the first 24 hours, and ideally within the first six to eight hours. Is on a palm or finger – even if the cut isn't very large – because the skin is taut and may need stitches to heal.
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