When Sutures (stitches) are Needed

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

Cuts Versus Scratches: Helping You Decide

• The skin is 2 mm (about 1/8 inch) thick.
• A cut (laceration) goes through it.  
• A scratch or scrape (wide scratch) doesn’t go through the skin.
• Cuts that gape open at rest or with movement need closure to prevent scarring.
• Scrapes and scratches never need closure, no matter how long they are.
• So this distinction is important.

1. Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes:
   • Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. Do this for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. Try to rinse the cut under running water.
   • Caution: Never soak a wound that might need sutures. Reason: It may become more swollen and harder to close.
   • Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
   • Cut off any pieces of loose skin using a fine scissors. Clean the scissors first with rubbing alcohol.
   • Put an antibiotic ointment on such as Polysporin. No prescription is needed. Then, cover it with a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
2. Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
   • Liquid skin bandage seals wounds with a plastic coating. It lasts up to 1 week.
   • 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.
   • 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.
   • You can get this product at a drugstore near you. There are many brands of liquid bandage. No prescription is needed.
3. Bruises:
   • 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.
   • After 48 hours, use a warm wet wash cloth. Do this for 10 minutes 3 times per day. This helps to reabsorb the blood.
4. Pain Medicine:
   • To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
5. What to Expect:
   • Small cuts and scrapes heal up in less than a week.
6. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Bleeding does not stop after using direct pressure to the cut
   • Starts to look infected (pus, redness)
   • Doesn't heal by 10 days
   • Your child becomes worse