does my child need stitches?

[Anonymous]

our 4 yr old cut his head a few hours ago on the corner or a table

it is a small 1/4 inch slit on his eyebrow

it is not bleeding anymore, however, I am wondering if
it may need a stitch or two?

How do you know if you need to get stitches?

I don't want him to have a bad scar in such a prominent place
on his face.

Also....he has special needs and it would be very difficult and upsetting for him
to have to go to to ER tonight.

Anyone have any advice for me?
Thanks!

[Anonymous]

If it makes a difference or not....a scar will form regardless if you get stitches or not.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for responding!

I was concerned about scarring.

We saw a friend who is an ER doctor this morning and he
said it looks OK and we don't need stitches

I may try Mederma......has anyone used this for scars?

[Anonymous]

My 4 year old did something similar. At 6 you can barely see the scar anymore. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Anonymous]

penguinsix wrote:The timeframe for stitches is about 4-6 hours. The longer you go the more of a risk from infection and some places will not allow them after a certain period of time.

Call/goto an urgent care clinic to get a reading as to whether you need stitches. Not as crazy as an ER and they can tell you if it's a band-aid or a stitch requirement. Tell them it has been a few hours so you may need to be seen ASAP.

Incorrect. Closer to 12 hours.