Wound care advice

Advice following Emergency Department attendance

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Wound care (218kB pdf)

Advice following Emergency Department attendance

There are several ways to treat small cuts/wounds for children. The goal is to achieve the best results for appearance and function whilst causing minimal distress.

Below is some important information to help you look after your child’s wound over the next few days.

Sutures (stitches)

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Avoid showering/bathing the affected area for at least 5 days to allow the wound to heal
• If your child has had dissolvable stitches they do not require removal – they will come out of the wound by themselves
• If your child has had non-dissolvable stitches they may require:
  • Wound check
  • Removal of stitches after … days (this depends on where the wound is)
• *If you have not been told this will generally be approximately 7-10 days post stitches, or ask your healthcare professional
• You will be told specific details by the clinician who has seen your child
  • This can typically be done via your GP surgery practice nurse or Smithdown Minor Injuries Unit (8am – 8pm 7 days a week)
• Do not attempt to remove your child’s stitches yourself

Wound glue

• Keep the wound clean and dry where possible
• Do not pick or scratch the glue
• Do not apply any creams / plasters / dressings over the glue
• The glue will fall off itself when the wound has healed (usually by 10 days)

Steristrips

• Keep the wound clean and dry
• Moisten the wound and gently remove the strips after 5-7 days

Caring for wounds

• Use simple pain relief such as paracetamol (Calpol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) as needed
• If the dressing becomes dirty/wet it will need to be replaced to minimise risk of infection
• Your child should avoid going swimming whilst the wound heals
• Apply sunblock to the wound after healed as the skin will be at greater risk of sunburn

When do I need to get help?

Please  seek medical help via your GP / 111 / walk-in centre / ED if the wound develops signs of infection including redness, warmth, swelling, pus (discharge) from the site or increasing pain, or if your child develops a fever.

This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.

This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.

PIAG 522