Minor Wounds without Stitches Minor cuts, scrapes and wounds are a normal part of childhood. Most of these minor wounds do not need stitches and will heal with proper home care. If the doctor has checked and treated your child’s wound, follow his or her advice about how to care for it and your child.
What you can do ●
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Clean and cover the wound as the doctor tells you. Keep the area clean and dry. If the wound is on your child’s foot, change his or her socks often to keep the area dry. Watch for signs of infection. Call the doctor if your child has any signs of infection at the wound site (see below). If an antibiotic medicine is prescribed, give it to your child as ordered by the doctor. Make sure your child takes all of the medicine. If another type of medicine is prescribed, use it as directed. Follow the doctor’s advice about bathing, swimming, sports and other activities until the wound has healed. Once the wound heals, use sunscreen on the scar to help prevent it from becoming dark.
When to call the doctor Call if your child has a fever (over 99.5º F or 37.5º C) or any signs of infection at the wound site: ●
redness, swelling, more pain or tenderness
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red streaks coming from the wound
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pus or a bad smell from the wound
©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.
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