If my child cuts themself, how do I know if they need stitches?

Dr. Tanya R. Altmann, MD

Pediatrics

If your child's cut is gaping open or continuously bleeding, then your child will likely need stitches. In this video, Tanya Altmann, MD, pediatrician, discusses the different ways to treat your child's wounds.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Injuries, Wound and Trauma

The normal course of daily living ensures that at some point we will injure ourselves. The body is great at healing minor injuries, and first-aid basics will help keep injuries from becoming serious or infected. As we move up to more serious injuries, again knowing what to do first is important, even if follow-up care must be done by a medic or hospital emergency room. It's always better to prevent injury if you can. Pay attention to hazards that can cause falls. In the kitchen use cutting blocks and sharp knives - they are safer because you use less pressure while cutting.

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