Wound Check in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Children have wounds that need care for many reasons. Your child may have a cut that needs care after surgery. Your child may have a cut, scrape, or puncture wound from an accident. Or your child may have a wound because of a boil or an abscess.

Whatever the cause of the wound, there are things you can do to care for it at home.

The doctor may also want your child to come back for a wound check. The wound check lets the doctor know how your child's wound is healing and if your child needs more treatment.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor told you how to care for the wound, follow the doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice for minor wounds:
  • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
  • Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
• Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, your child can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the wound dry.

• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your child has stitches, do not remove them on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
• If your child has tape strips, leave them on until they fall off.
• If possible, prop up the injured 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.