Laceration Care and Stitches for Kids
Cuts and lacerations happen fast. When your child’s wound needs more than a bandage, KIDS Urgent Care is here to help. Our board-certified pediatric team evaluates and treats lacerations, determines whether stitches or another closure method is needed, and helps keep your child calm throughout the process. Walk in or reserve your time today.
When Does a Cut Need Stitches?
Not every cut needs stitches, but some wounds heal better and with less scarring when closed properly. Signs that a laceration may need medical attention include:
- The wound is deeper than a quarter inch
- The edges of the cut are jagged or gaping and will not stay together
- The wound is on the face, near a joint, or on the hand
- Bleeding does not slow or stop after 10 to 15 minutes of firm, direct pressure
- The cut was caused by a dirty object, animal bite, or puncture wound
- You can see fat, muscle, or bone
- Your child has not had a tetanus shot within 5 years (or is unsure)
When in doubt, have the wound evaluated. Closing a laceration within the first few hours leads to the best outcomes.
What Happens During Your Visit
Our team will examine the wound to assess its depth, length, location, and contamination level. We clean the wound thoroughly and use local anesthetic to minimize pain before any closure. We take extra care with children to make the experience as calm as possible.
Depending on the wound, closure may be done with:
- Traditional sutures (stitches)
- Surgical staples
- Skin closure strips (Steri-Strips)
- Medical tissue adhesive (skin glue)
We also assess whether the wound requires a tetanus booster, antibiotics, or imaging to check for foreign bodies or bone involvement.
Wound Care After Your Visit
We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the wound at home, including:
- How to keep the area clean and dry
- Signs of infection to watch for (redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, fever)
- When to return for suture or staple removal
Most sutures in children are removed within 5 to 14 days depending on the location of the wound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do stitches hurt?
We use local anesthesia before placing any sutures, so the stitching itself should not be painful. The injection of anesthetic may cause a brief sting. Our team works to keep children relaxed and the process as quick as possible.
Can I use super glue on my child's cut?
Medical-grade tissue adhesive is designed specifically for wound closure and is different from household super glue, which can irritate tissue and is not sterile. For anything beyond a minor surface scratch, have the wound evaluated.
What if the wound gets infected?
Signs of infection include increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus or discharge, and fever. If you notice any of these after the initial visit, return for a follow-up evaluation.
When is it too late to get stitches?
Most wounds should be closed within 6 to 8 hours for the best results. Wounds on the face may be closed up to 12 to 24 hours after the injury. After that window, closure is generally not recommended due to infection risk. If you are unsure, come in and let us assess.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome. You can also book online to reserve your time.
Get Your Child's Wound Treated Today
If your child has a cut that may need stitches, do not wait. Come to KIDS Urgent Care for prompt, pediatric-focused wound care.