Scrapes, cuts and lacerations inevitably occur in virtually all active children. What's the best way to treat these? How can you stop the bleeding? How do you know when you need to take your child to get stitches? We discuss these issues, including alternatives to stitches, how to minimize scarring, and how to best help your child during a procedure such as getting stitches.
This episode written by Dr. Dean Blumberg and Dr. Lena Rothstein.
We thank Dr. Emily Andrada, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for reviewing this topic, although Drs. Dean and Lena take responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Supplemental material:

* Healthy Children Cuts, Scrapes & Scar Management: Parent FAQs

* Stop The Bleed How to Stop the Bleed

* Black KD et al Pediatrics In Review article Wound Management

Ouch! music and lyrics by Dean Blumberg, performed by Dean Blumberg and Lena Rothstein, music performance coach Tori Steeley, music therapist at UC Davis Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department.
Photo from Olympic View Elementary School