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Cuts and wounds
Most wounds can be treated at home and will start to heal within a couple of days. However, some wounds may need to be treated by a medical professional.
The advice below should help you decide whether your child’s wound requires further help or whether it can be managed by yourself at home.
- A cut that will not stop bleeding after 20 minutes of direct pressure
- The blood comes out in spurts and is bright red and hard to control
- Loss of feeling near the wound or has trouble moving the area
- A bad cut on the face or the palm of the hand
- A wound that is large or deep (Showing fatty tissue, muscle, or bone)
- There's something stuck in the cut, such as a shard of glass – do not try to take it out yourself
You need urgent help.
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
Please commence the following first aid:
- Remove any clothing/jewellery around the injury
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
- Elevate the injured area if possible
- A wound that is deeper than 1cm or that you cannot see the bottom of
- A wound that is showing signs of infection (redness, pus from the wound site, warmth or swelling around the area)
- A wound that is the result of a human or animal bite
- Swelling around the injury that is not improving
- Still has pain 48 hours after the injury
You need to contact a clinician today
Call NHS 111 – dial 111 or go to your nearest Urgent Care Centre / Minor Injury Unit
Please commence the following first aid:
- Remove any clothing/jewellery around the injury
- Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
- Elevate the injured area if possible
- Keep the injured area still – do not try to move it
If none of the above features are present
Self-care
Continue providing your child’s care at home – see below for tips on managing injuries at home.
How can you care for minor wounds at home
- Wash the wound
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Wash the cut using cool water to gently remove dirt or debris to prevent an infection
- Use direct pressure and elevate to control any bleeding and/or swelling
- Pat the area dry using a clean cloth
- Put on a sterile dressing or plaster
- Apply ice if your child has bruising or swelling – use a thin towel between the ice and your skin
- Avoid picking at the scabs
- Apply sun protection until the wound is completely healed. New skin will burn easily and may cause added scarring.
Pain relief
- Give simple pain relief like paracetamol (calpol) or ibuprofen (nurofen) as required. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the instructions
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