Call Us Now If:

• You think your child has a serious injury


• Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure


• Cut is very deep (e.g. can see bone or tendons)


• Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches


• Age < 1 year old


• Dirt or grime in the wound is not removed after 15 minutes of scrubbing


• Bicycle-spoke or washing machine wringer injury


• Skin loss from bad scrape goes very deep


• Skin loss involves > 10% of body surface (Note: the hand's surface equals 1%)


• Cut or scrape looks infected (redness, red streak or pus)

Call Us Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen


• Several bruises occur without any known injury


• Very large bruise follows a minor injury


• No tetanus booster in > 10 years (5 years for dirty cuts at higher risk for tetanus)

Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Home Care

(Read "When to Call..." first):

Bruises:

• Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes once to stop the bleeding
• After 48 hours apply a warm wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood

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)
• For any dirt, scrub it gently 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

Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Looks infected (pus, redness, increasing tenderness)
• Doesn't heal within 10 days
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms