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a stitched up wound on the back of a little boy's head

Taking the Stress Out of Stitches

I’m completely paranoid about my kids getting a cut that would require stitches. I’m not sure why, because I put in and take out stitches all the time and can see that:

So in the spirit of connecting with all the other paranoid parents out there worried about their kid getting a similar type of cut, I thought I’d share some things that are good to know if you have to face this fear.

Types of Cuts

First, have a sense of what types of cuts need to be evaluated by a doctor.

Not all breaks in the skin that bleed need an immediate trip to an emergency department or urgent care center. Abrasions (the scraping off of the top layer of skin) like a skinned knee or lip rarely need stitches. A good scrub of the wound, application of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, and close observation are enough.

Deeper cuts that are gaping open, continuing to bleed, or are on a delicate area of skin should always be seen ASAP by a doctor. If your pediatrician isn’t available, visit one of the pediatric emergency specialists at an urgent care.

Once a laceration is older than about 12 to 18 hours — even if it ordinarily would need stitches — it’s too late. This is especially crucial on the face where scarring is important (as we all want our kids to be as blemish-free for life as possible!). One of the goals of stitches is to make a nice cosmetic wound closure, so don’t delay in getting a facial laceration seen!

Recovery

Once the wound is glued or stitched and dressed, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely.

Any opening in the skin is at risk for infection, so it’s crucial to understand these signs. Fever or pus drainage (thick yellow or white fluid) from the wound is worrisome, as are increasing pain and red streaks around the wound. Should you see any of these signs, have the cut looked at promptly. Sometimes the fix can be quick and simple, like reopening the wound slightly to help drainage (better than the whole thing opening up!), or adding antibiotics early in the course of infection to save headaches later on.

There may be a little debate among healthcare providers on whether or not wounds should be covered, but I’m a big fan of covering them with a dressing for the first 24 hours and then having them open to the air to help dry out and heal faster. A stitched wound should be dry on day one and then washed gently with soapy water twice a day, thereafter. Make sure you’re clear on exactly when the stitches should come out, or if they are absorbable and don’t require removal.

Long-term Protection

My final tip is to cover all cuts year-round with high-SPF sunscreen for at least one year post-injury to help prevent further scarring. Sun damage to skin is a well-known fact, but sun damage to already damaged skin is even worse. Be careful and have a gorgeous, healthy child!

Now I feel better. Maybe just going through the steps of what I already know and practice will help me be less anxious when my kid, Luke, barrels down the slide at the playground, face-first. I hope it does the same for you!

Let me know if you have any good tips for managing cuts and scrapes, let’s learn from each other.

From strep throat to stitches, we’re here for your family – wherever you are! Click here to find a PM Pediatric Urgent Care near you. Not near to an office? Get care with telemedicine, available in 15 states.

About the Expert

headshot of Dr. Christina Johns

Dr. Christina Johns is a nationally recognized pediatric emergency physician and Senior Medical Advisor at PM Pediatric Care. An official spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, she is board-certified in both pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. With extensive media experience, the proud mom of two teenagers shares over 20 years of pediatric expertise with patients and families everywhere. Follow Dr. Johns for more insights on children’s health!