Cuts and Scrapes: First Aid and When to Call the DoctorRelated Services

When should I call my child's physician?

Specific treatment for cuts and scrapes that require more than minor treatment at home will be determined by your child's physician. In general, call your child's physician for cuts and scrapes that are:

• bleeding heavily and do not stop bleeding after five to 10 minutes of direct pressure. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for five to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Do not lift the original cloth.
• deep or longer than ½ inch.
• located close to the eye.
• gaping or separated wound margins.
• large cuts on the face.
• caused by a puncture wound, or dirty or rusty object.
• embedded with debris such as dirt, stones, or gravel.
• ragged or have separated edges.
• caused by an animal or human bite.
• excessively painful.
• showing signs of infection such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage.

Also call your child's physician if:

• your child has not had a tetanus vaccination within the past five years, or if you are unsure when your child's last tetanus shot was given.
• If you are concerned about the wound or have any questions,.please call our office at 336 6700.
• Call 911 for Emergences.