Cuts Closed With Adhesives in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

A cut can happen anywhere on your child's body.

The doctor used an adhesive to close the cut. When the adhesive dries, it forms a film that holds the edges of the cut together. Skin adhesives are sometimes called liquid stitches.

If the cut went deep and through the skin, the doctor may have put in a layer of stitches below the adhesive. The deeper layer of stitches brings the deep part of the cut together. These stitches will dissolve and don't need to be removed. You don't see the stitches, only the adhesive.

Your child may have a bandage.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Keep the cut dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, your child can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut dry.
• Don't let your child soak the cut, such as in a bathtub or kiddie pool. Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to get the cut wet.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your child's cut, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Do not put any kind of ointment, cream, or lotion over the area. This can make the adhesive fall off too soon.
  • After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • If the doctor told you to use a bandage, put on a new bandage after cleaning the cut or if the bandage gets wet or dirty.
• Prop up the sore area on a pillow anytime your child sits or lies down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your child's heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Leave the skin adhesive on your child's skin until it falls off on its own. This may take 5 to 10 days.
• Do not let your child scratch, rub, or pick at the adhesive.
• Do not put the sticky part of a bandage directly on the adhesive.
• Help your child avoid any activity that could cause the cut to reopen.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.