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
  1.  Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
  2. Wash the cut using cool water to gently remove dirt or debris to prevent an infection
  3. Use direct pressure and elevate to control any bleeding and/or swelling
  4. Pat the area dry using a clean cloth
  5. 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

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