Old Laceration: Not Stitched (Child)
A laceration is a cut through the skin. If it's deep, it usually needs stitches. But if a cut stays open for too long, the risk of infection is higher. In your child's case, too much time has passed to be able to stitch the cut. The danger of infection from stitching at this time is too high.
If the wound is spread open, it will heal from the bottom and sides. This may take up to a month or longer. It depends on how big the opening is. Your child may have a visible scar. You can discuss the scar with your child's doctor at a later time.
Your child may need a tetanus vaccine. It depends on your child's age, type of wound, and vaccine status.
Home care
These tips will help you care for your child at home:
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Keep the wound clean and dry. If a bandage gets wet or dirty, replace it. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours, then change it once a day, or as directed.
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Clean the wound daily:
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After removing any bandage, wash the area with soap and water. Use a clean, wet cotton swab to loosen and remove any blood or crust that forms.
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Ask the doctor whether to apply ointment to the wound. Apply a fresh bandage.
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Remove the bandage so your child can bathe. Ask your doctor if it is OK for your child to put the wound in water. Don't let your child do anything that may reinjure the wound.
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Explain to your child in an age-appropriate way what you are doing as you care for the wound. Let your child help when possible. For example, let them hand you the towel or pat the area dry.
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If the doctor prescribes medicines to prevent infection or for pain, follow the instructions for giving these medicines to your child.
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Do not give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
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Don't give ibuprofen to children age 6 months or younger.
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Don’t give your child any other medicine without first checking with the doctor.
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Check the wound daily for signs of infection listed below.
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Keep the wound out of prolonged direct sunlight, especially in the summer months. After the wound heals, keep staying out of direct sunlight, or use a sunscreen with a high level of protection. Sunburn or sun exposure can increase scarring.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's doctor, or as advised.
Special note to parents
Doctors are trained to see injuries such as this in young children as a sign of possible abuse. You may be asked questions about how your child was injured. Doctors must, by law, ask you these questions. This is done to protect your child. Please try to be patient.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's doctor right away if:
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Bleeding from the wound can't be controlled by direct pressure.
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Your child has signs of infection. These include increasing pain in the wound, increasing wound redness or swelling, or pus or bad odor coming from the wound.
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Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your child's doctor.
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Your child has chills.
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The wound edges are reopening.
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The wound changes color.
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Your child feels numb around the wound.
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Your child can't move the injured area as much.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chelsey Schilling BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
6/1/2025
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