A chin laceration is a cut in the skin of the chin. The skin may be cut in a fall or by a sharp object or fingernail. It can bleed and cause redness and swelling.
A chin laceration is first treated with pressure to stop any bleeding. The area is then cleaned with soap and warm water. A cut that isn't deep can be closed with surgical tape. A deeper cut may need to be closed with small stitches. A skin anesthetic is used before stitching. A skin antibiotic may be put on over stitches. A dressing may be put on over stitches or tapes.
Chin stitches are often removed in 5 days. Or the health care provider may choose to use stitches that are absorbed and don't need to be removed. Surgical tape peels off on its own over time. Your child may have a scar from the cut.
Your child may also need a tetanus shot. This is given if the cause of the wound may cause tetanus and if your child is not up to date on the tetanus vaccine.
Home care
The health care provider may prescribe antibiotics, but this isn't routine for a small cut on the chin. Antibiotics are to prevent infection. If stitches were used, the antibiotics may be in a cream or ointment to put on the skin. Use the antibiotics as instructed every day until they are gone. Don’t stop using them even if your child feels better.
Don't give aspirin to your child unless your child’s provider says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition. If your child is taking other medicines, check the ingredients. If they include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, let your child's doctor know.
General care
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Follow the health care provider’s instructions for how to care for the wound.
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Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water before and after caring for your child. This is to prevent infection.
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Change bandages or dressings as directed. Replace any bandage that becomes wet or dirty.
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Don’t soak the wound in water for 7 to 10 days. If your child is old enough, have them take showers instead of baths during this time. Use a clean cloth to gently pat the area dry if it gets wet.
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If skin tape was used, don’t use lotion or ointment on the cut. These may cause the tape to peel off.
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Numbness, itching, or tingling can be common as the wound heals. Make sure your child doesn't scratch, rub, or pick at the area.
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Check the wound daily for signs of infection.
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Watch for signs of partial or total separation of wound edges.
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If you're worried about the stitches, get advice from your child's provider.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s health care provider as advised.
Special note to parents
If surgical tape was used, ask your child's health care provider if you should remove it or let it fall off on its own. Gently remove any adhesive with mineral oil or petroleum jelly on a cotton ball.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's health care provider right away if any of these occur:
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by the provider
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Chills
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Wound reopens or bleeds a lot
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Bleeding does not stop after applying pressure
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Pain gets worse
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Warmth, redness, or swelling of the wound
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Bad-smelling fluid leaking from the wound
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