One common injury that a child may experience after a fall or as an accident during play is a laceration. The term laceration refers to an opening or tear in the skin as the result of an injury. In most cases, lacerations are minor and can be treated at home. However, it is possible for a laceration to be large and severe enough to require immediate care. Rose Creek Pediatric is available to treat concerns like these in Riverton, UT.
Lacerations And How They Can Be Treated
In the majority of cases where medical treatment is needed, lacerations can be addressed with sutures. Commonly known as stitches, this procedure involves closing the wound through the use of a special thread. The edges of the laceration are brought together until they can heal naturally. Stitches have multiple benefits, starting with stopping the bleeding. There is also a less significant chance of infection and scarring when the wound is stitched closed.
Another potential treatment is called a Steri-Strip. These bandages are used on wounds that are shallow enough not to need stitches. They provide the same benefits as stitched without the need for a needle or thread. However, they aren’t appropriate for deep wounds. If a laceration is more than ½ in deep or is bleeding heavily, stitches are the likely answer.
In all cases, the most important thing a parent can know is proper First-Aid for a laceration:
- Soothe your child and assure them you can help
- Apply pressure directly to the laceration with a clean cloth or bandage. This will help stop the bleeding. If your child is bleeding profusely, hold the bandage in place for up to 10 minutes. If it should become soaked, place another on top of it without lifting it.
- When the bleeding has ceased, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Do not scrub the wound. Remove any easily accessible dirt particles, and run water over the area for a few minutes.
- Wrap the area with gauze or an adhesive bandage.
- Make an immediate call to your physician, or call 911.
You’ll know it’s time to call 911 rather than your physician when:
- Bleeding lasts longer than 5-10 minutes even with direct pressure
- The wound is deep or is more than ½ in long
- The wound is close to the eye
- The wound is large and on the face
- Involves a puncture from a rusty or dirty object
- Has gravel, stones, or dirt embedded in it
- It is ragged and has edges that are separated
- Was the result of a human or animal bite
- Is excessively painful
If you end up going to the emergency room, be sure to schedule a follow-up at our offices. Our team will monitor the healing process.
Come See Rose Creek Pediatrics In Riverton, UT
When your child has suffered an injury of any kind, it’s important to follow up with our team. While the injury may seem insignificant at first, sometimes, the full extent of the damage is hidden. Reach out to us to arrange an appointment at our offices whenever your child experiences an injury or goes to the emergency room.
