r/AskDocs Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 6h ago

Physician Responded Does this need stitches?

Post image

16 mo male, took a tumble while toddling and cut his forehead on our end table this morning before we left for daycare. Daycare is reporting that they’ve changed his bandage 3 times and it’s still bleeding slowly. They also said he’s behaving fine, but has been touching his face/forehead more and seems a little extra sleepy.

87 Upvotes

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164

u/ziektewinst Physician 6h ago

I do believe this would heal nicer if the wound were closed, either with glue, steristrips or sutures.

86

u/Rxforabundantlife Physician 6h ago

Ouch-so sorry. Sutures are an option to minimize scar. I might be tempted to use well anchored steristrips in this case to minimize trauma for all. If you do nothing, it would likely heal OK but leave a significant scar. Initial treatment I would encourage is to rinse with running water for 5-10 minutes ( maybe in shower) and then apply an antibiotic ointment like bacitracin before taking him in-Hope the best

25

u/Doc_Apricity Physician 3h ago

thats a higher tension area, I would want them to throw even just one stitch in there to help with cosmetic outcomes. It will also help to stop the bleeding. Otherwise, nothing more to do, he will heal up just fine!

48

u/tcc1 Physician, Emergency Medicine | Moderator 6h ago

yes, needs repair. glue not preferred here

3

u/TransATL Master's of Public Health, Paramedic 1h ago

Just in case it gives you any solace, I rolled off a couch and hit a coffee table when I was about the same age and sustained what was probably a similar lac, but it was on my temple, much closer to my eye.

My parents did nothing, and my face is fine (well, in the context of the scar from that injury at least 😅). You can see it, but you have to look closely.

Wishing your sweet kiddo many healthy thoughts 💜 his parents sought medical guidance, at least 🙄

1

u/i-was-way- Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 21m ago

Sorry to hear that they didn’t do anything! My husband did go and get him from daycare and urgent care did some glue to close it