A GP guide to paediatric facial trauma and scars
Facial lacerations in children are a common presentation in primary care, so it's worth being aware of these key management principles.
Facial trauma is extremely common in the paediatric population, and a significant proportion of injuries can be managed in the primary care setting.
The most important step in management is to screen for associated injuries, such as concussion, cervical spine injury or facial bone fractures.
Regardless of the treatment provided, any wound extending into the dermis will result in some scarring, and as a result, it is important for GPs to be aware of both the natural progression of these scars as well as evidence-based scar management.
While it is often difficult to assess a frightened and/or uncomfortable child, excluding associated injuries is important.
