Updates in wound management for the pediatrician.
Lacerations are common in children, and skills in wound management, especially laceration repair, are important. The minimization of pain and anxiety should be considered an essential part of the procedure. Newer techniques using topical anesthetics and tissue adhesives have significantly simplified the process of laceration repair promoting application in office, clinic, and emergency department settings. In situations inappropriate for topical anesthesia and closure, the use of buffered lidocaine and attention to the technique of infiltration are important. Although infection is the most common complication, the percentage of lacerations, which become infected in children, is low. Antibiotic prophylaxis is seldom needed. Human and animal bites raise special concerns in the assessment for primary repair and prophylactic antibiotic use.
Knapp
J F
JF
Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, USA. jknapp@cmh.edu
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010372:Pediatrics; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy*