Pediatric wound care in the emergency department.

Abstract

Traumatic wounds and lacerations are common pediatric presenting complaints to emergency departments. Although there is a large body of literature on wound care, many emergency clinicians base management of wounds on theories and techniques that have been passed down over time. Therefore, controversial, conflicting, and unfounded recommendations are prevalent. This issue reviews evidence-based recommendations for wound care, including wound cleansing and irrigation, anxiolysis/sedation techniques, closure methods, and postrepair wound care.