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.

If your child has any of the following:

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

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

Keep the injured area still – do not try to move it

If your child has any of the following:

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.

If you are still concerned about your child please speak to your local pharmacist or call NHS 111.

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