Children with minor trauma should be assessed for any associated serious injuries and wound management should not preempt care of more life-threatening injuries A thorough evaluation includes learning the mechanism of injury, the age of the wound, determining if there is a retained foreign body, and a careful physical examination that includes assessing for any associated injuries All wounds should be examined before and after cleansing to determine the best plan for repair All wounds heal by scarring but the goal is to minimize their appearance The use of absorbable sutures in pediatrics is favored in certain situations, as it avoids an additional procedure of suture removal The use of topical anesthetics, anxiolysis, child life specialists, and distraction techniques can all be helpful and effective to facilitate wound repair Maximize patient and parent satisfaction by setting expectations on length of stay, providing timely care, optimizing cosmetic results, minimizing pain, and avoiding infection RELATED CHAPTERS Resuscitation and Stabilization A General Approach to the Ill or Injured Child: Chapter Medical, Surgical, and Trauma Infectious Disease Emergencies: Chapter 94 ENT Trauma: Chapter 106 Genitourinary Trauma: Chapter 108 Hand Trauma: Chapter 109 Ocular Trauma: Chapter 114 Procedures and Appendices Procedural Sedation: Chapter 129 Procedures: Chapter 130