Lacerations without stitches
Disease Information
Overview
What is a laceration?
A laceration is tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. If your child has a small laceration, he or she may only minor treatment at home. If your child has a large laceration, he may require emergency medical care.
How do I know if my child's cut needs stitches?
Lacerations that are superficial (do not involve fat or muscle tissue), are not bleeding heavily, less than one inch long and do not involve the face can usually be managed at home without stitches. The goals of caring for a wound are to stop the bleeding and reduce the chance of scarring and infection in the wound.
