Overview
A cut can happen anywhere on your child's body. Sometimes a cut can injure the tendons, blood vessels, or nerves.
A cut may be left open instead of being closed with stitches, staples, or adhesive. A cut may be left open when it is likely to become infected, because closing it can make infection even more likely.
Your child will probably have a bandage.
The doctor may want the cut to stay open the whole time it heals. This happens with some cuts when too much time has gone by since the cut happened. Or the doctor may tell your child to come back to have the cut closed in 4 to 5 days, when there is less chance of infection.
If the cut stays open while healing, your scar may be larger than if the cut was closed. But you can get treatment later to make the scar smaller.
The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter N490 in the search box to learn more about "Cuts Left Open in Children: Care Instructions".