04/03/2026
Lacerations: When to Get Help vs Stay Home
“Your kid just fell outside and now there’s blood everywhere. Do you need the ER… or just a bandage?”
Cuts and lacerations are one of the most common injuries in kids, especially this time of year when kids are outside more—bike riding, playing sports, climbing playgrounds.
The good news is many cuts can be treated at home.
If the cut is small, shallow, and the bleeding stops after about 10 minutes of firm pressure, you can usually manage it yourself.
Start by washing your hands, then rinse the wound with clean running water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Avoid hydrogen peroxide—it can actually slow healing.
After that, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage.
But there are times you should get medical help.
Come see us or go to urgent care if:
• The cut is deep or you can see fat or tissue
• The edges of the wound won’t close together
• Bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure
• The injury came from dirty metal, glass, or an animal bite
• The cut is on the face, lips, or over a joint
• Or your child might need a tetanus update
And here’s a tip many parents don’t know: stitches usually need to be placed within about 6–8 hours for the best healing.
If you’re unsure, that’s where having direct access to your pediatrician can really help—you can often send a photo and get guidance quickly.
Because sometimes all you need is a bandage…
and sometimes you need stitches.
