Laceration, Infected Repair (Child)
A laceration is a cut through the skin. Your child's cut has been closed (repaired) with stitches (sutures). But the cut has become infected. Things that make infection more likely include:
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The wound was deep or was a puncture wound. These are more likely to get infected than shallow or wide-open wounds that are easier to clean.
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Dirt or particles were deep in the wound at the time of injury.
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Your child has a health problem that affects their immune system. These include diabetes, HIV infection, or another condition.
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Home care for the laceration was not done carefully. But even with good care, a wound can become infected.
Treating an infected repair may require removal of some or all of the stitches. Antibiotic medicine taken as a liquid or pill may be prescribed.
Home care
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If antibiotics were prescribed, give them to your child exactly as directed. Your child should take them until they are gone or the health care provider tells you to stop them. Don't stop them just because your child feels better.
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If your child has pain, give them pain medicine as advised by your child’s provider. Don’t give your child aspirin unless told to do so. Aspirin can cause serious problems in children 18 years of age and younger. Don't give ibuprofen to children age 6 months or younger.
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Don’t give your child any other medicine without first asking the provider.
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Follow the provider’s instructions on how to care for the cut.
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Unless told otherwise, change the bandage twice a day for the first few days, until the drainage stops. Then change it once a day. Change the bandage if it becomes wet, stained with wound fluid, or dirty.
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Clean the wound daily:
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After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with soap and water. Use a clean, wet cotton swab to loosen and remove any blood or crust that forms.
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After cleaning, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment, if advised. Apply a fresh bandage.
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Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after cleaning the wound or changing the bandage.
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Explain to your child what you are doing as you care for the wound. Let your child help when possible. For example, let them hand you the towel or pat the wound dry.
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Follow the provider's instructions for keeping the wound dry. Your child may be restricted from showering or tub baths for a while.
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If the bandage gets wet, take it off. Gently pat the wound dry with a clean cloth. Then replace the wet bandage with a dry one.
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Keep your child from scratching, rubbing, or picking at the area.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child's provider as advised. It is important to follow up to make sure the infection is improving.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's provider right away if:
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Symptoms don't begin to improve or they get worse.
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Red streaks are coming from the wound.
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There's more pus coming from the wound, redness or swelling around the wound, or pain.
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Your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by the provider.
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Your child has chills.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Chelsey Schilling BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
3/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.