Wound Care

Kids can suffer wounds from sharp items like scissors or knives when not properly supervised. These injuries can range from small cuts to severe tears.

• Incised wounds are clean, straight cuts often caused by scissors or knives.
• Puncture wounds happen when something sharp like a nail or needle pierces the skin.
• Avulsion wounds involve skin and tissue being forcefully torn, often by heavy machinery.
• Lacerations are jagged, irregular cuts usually caused by serrated objects.

If your child gets cut by a sharp object, it’s important to stop bleeding and reduce infection risk. Try these steps:

• Wash your hands with hand sanitizer before touching the wound.
• Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean, dry cloth to stop bleeding.
• Raise the injured limb above heart level to slow blood flow while pressing.
• Rinse the wound gently with clean water only—avoid soaps or antiseptics that can irritate the skin.

Keep the wound clean and get medical help within 24 hours if you notice:

• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Deep or large wounds
• Cuts over joints like knees, wrists, or knuckles
• Wound still dirty or not healing after rinsing
• Your child’s tetanus shots are not current
• The wound edges are pulling apart

Call 911 immediately if you see blood spurting, which could mean a damaged artery needing urgent care.

At Sammy Kim, MD, when you bring your child in, we carefully assess their wound and overall health. If there’s no infection, we close the wound using staples, tape, or stitches.

Stitches usually come out after one to two weeks, depending on how the skin heals.

If the wound might be contaminated, we clean it thoroughly before closing to prevent infection.

As your child’s skin heals, good care at home is key to avoid infection and reduce scars.

Here are helpful tips:

• Keep the wound covered with clean dressings until drainage stops. Check with your child’s doctor about how often to change bandages.
• Wait 2-4 days after closing before showering.
• Avoid soaking the wound in baths or pools.
• Keep pets away during healing.
• Don’t pick or scratch the wound.
• Feed your child nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, and lean protein.
• Encourage hydration and fiber-rich foods to support healing.

Many patients tell us scars fade with time. Your doctor might suggest gentle massage with lotion or petroleum jelly to help skin repair.

Kids get hurt during sports or accidents at home and school. While you can’t predict everything, you can reduce risks by:

• Regularly checking your child’s rooms, play areas, and kitchen for hazards.
• Making sure your child wears proper sports gear.
• Not letting young kids use scissors or kitchen tools alone.

From common illnesses and allergies to ongoing health needs, Sammy Kim, MD is here for your child’s wellness. Our board-certified pediatricians provide caring, hands-on treatment.

We offer same-day appointments at our clinic in Encino, CA. To schedule, call us at (818) 789-0941 or contact us online.