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Symptom Checker

Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

Cuts, scrapes and bruises are common types of minor injury. A cut breaks the skin, a scrape removes the surface layers of skin and a bruise causes bleeding under the skin without an open wound.

Falls, sports, sharp objects, rough surfaces and direct blows are common causes. Bites, contaminated objects and more significant trauma can cause deeper or more complicated wounds.

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AAP Guide to Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises

The AAP guide below explains how to stop bleeding, clean a wound and tell when a cut may need to be closed.

AAP Symptom CheckerCuts and scrapes

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Symptom CheckerCuts and scrapes New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Bleeding does not stop with steady pressure.
  • A cut is deep, widely open or may need stitches.
  • The wound is dirty, came from a bite or contains material that cannot be removed.
  • Your child has numbness, weakness or cannot use the injured area normally.
  • Redness, swelling, pain or drainage increases instead of improving.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled.
  • The injury is severe or your child shows signs of shock.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on knocks, pain and injuries

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms