My child fell dancing on concrete and busted her chin open. it is wide but not deep. should i take her in to get stitches or should i clean, bandage, and watch it?

Cuts longer than 3/4 inches, that gape or show fat under the skin, continue to bleed or do not close easily are most likely to need stitches. Smaller cuts that are cleaned out well can be covered with antibiotic ointment and held tight with a butterfly bandage. If the kid sleeps on her face I would consider stitches a good idea, as that position could interfere with healing without them.

The fall into concrete should be evaluated. Consider Pediatric urgent care and discuss how this occurred. Was there any facial bruising, vomiting, or.dizziness. A concussion may occur with head trauma . Please follow up.

Agree with Dr. Ferguson. If you have any doubt, take the child to a doctor. You should also consider getting a tetanus booster dose in case the wound was contaminated with dirt.