My 2 yr olds cut looks infected?

Question

Yesterday my son cut his lip it was pretty bad but we didn't go to the doctor. I put hydrogen peroxide on it twice yesterday but this morning it looks like it might have some puss which means it's infected. Should I take him to the doc right away? Or should I keep putting peroxide on it?

Answer 1

take that baby to the doctor for some antibiotics!! since you said it was bad he might have needed stitches!

Answer 2

Hydrogen peroxide should be used on fresh wounds, or wounds with debris in them (glass, dirt).  But using it on a healing wound is not the best idea because it can damage the newly created skin.

Wounds in the mouth always look funny, because they are wet.  But they are also prone to infection.  Get a liquid antacid and use a very small amount on the cut throughout the day, this will help with the pain and promote healing by reducing the acidity of the mouth.  The child can also just swish some diluted antacid around their mouth.  Do not use pepto or any multi-symptom medicine, you just want a basic antacid preferably just calcium carbonate.

You could use a small amount of alcohol if you thought it were infected but that would hurt a lot.

If the wound isn't warm to the touch its probably not infected.

I would probably give the wound 2-3 days to heal unless it were very painful before seeking medical attention.

Answer 3

By all means, take him to see the doctor. Hydrogen Peroxide has absolutely no healing qualities, it is only effective in debriding tissue, and is not selective, so will also debride the underlying tissue.  A far more effective treatment would have been to swab it with a mild saline solution (1/4 tsp to 4 oz water). Then apply warm moist compresses.

However, if it looks inflammed, now (reddened and swollen), it should be checked out. It is normal for lacerations to have small amounts or serous (not serious) drainage (clear and no odor) but if there is any swelling, or drainage of any other color or with an odor, it should be evaluated.

In the long run, you are better off to have it checked, than to take any chances.  Also, depending on the location of the laceration, there is also the potential for a disfigurement, and a child doesn't need that.

Answer 4

Try Neopsporin which will kill bacteria longer than hydrogen peroxide (and also can help with pain).  

That said, if you're really worried, go to the doctor.  Trust your gut.

Answer 5

Does your son say the cut hurts worse? My parents lived my hydrogen peroxide and neosporin. I would watch the cut.. is it puss or just a soft scab that is forming. You said the cut was in an area you could not see? does this mean the inside of his mouth?? If it's on the inside, the cut could have a hard time forming a scab since its so moist plus im sure he touches it with his tongue. Like the other person said, trust your gut as well.

Answer 6

Take him to the doc.

Answer 7

Do not put anything on a 2-year-old's mouth that they may possible swallow.  Neither peroxide nor Neosporin is good for a baby of that age to have near their mouth.  If you don't take him to the doctor, he could end up with a nasty scar that will mar his face for life.  Go the doctor, and do it soon before the wound 'heals' and he has a scar on his lip.

Answer 8

What type of parent are you, make the decision yourself, don't use the internet. GO TO A DOCTOR ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

Poor child hydrogen peroxide is an acid it probably aggravated it more than anything. Given the current state go to the doctor. Next time just rinse with salt water regularly