Chin Laceration, Stitches or Tape (Child)
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 healthcare 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 laceration.
Your child may also need a tetanus shot. This is given if the cause of the laceration may cause tetanus, and if your child is not up-to-date on the tetanus vaccine.
Home care
The healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics, but this isn't routine for a small chin laceration. 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 giving them to your child if they feel better. Don’t give your child aspirin unless you're told to do so by the provider.
General care
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Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for how to care for the laceration.
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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 laceration 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 laceration. These may cause the tape to peel off.
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Make sure your child doesn't scratch, rub, or pick at the area.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider as advised.
Special note to parents
If surgical tape was used, ask your child's healthcare 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
Call your child's healthcare 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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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
Online Medical Reviewer:
Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Tara Novick BSN MSN
Date Last Reviewed:
5/1/2022
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