split lip--advice, help and spport

[April2012]

Hi ladies,

My nearly 18-month old is into everything. (I should mention I am a first time mom). He runs faster than i do. Two days ago he tripped and split his bottom lip. I am not sure if it was on his tooth or a toy. It bled pretty bad for about 20 seconds. i patted with a cold cloth and put him down with a bottle (he is too old for bottles, but it was for comfort in this case). No further bleeding and no problems/pain during eating. A yellowish scab is forming along the split. I told daycare about it (so they don't wipe his face too hard after snack/meals). I am scared that he will be permanently disfigured. I try to do everything I can to keep him safe...but he literally trips on his own feet at times. I feel horrible. Has anyone experienced something similar with their toddler?

 

[wannabemomy37]

Oh my, you are such a great mom worrying about something so little!

It happens to almost every child at some point or another - Split lip, broken tooth, broken arm...Kids will be kids and they are still learning their own limits. Unfortunately things like this happen, and while scary, is completely normal and I don't really think his lip will be permanently altered in any way, shape, or form. I would just keep putting Vaseline or chapstick on it to keep it from getting too dry, and advise him not to pick at it or anything.

 

[April2012]

Oh my, you are such a great mom worrying about something so little!

It happens to almost every child at some point or another - Split lip, broken tooth, broken arm...Kids will be kids and they are still learning their own limits. Unfortunately things like this happen, and while scary, is completely normal and I don't really think his lip will be permanently altered in any way, shape, or form. I would just keep putting Vaseline or chapstick on it to keep it from getting too dry, and advise him not to pick at it or anything.

thank you so much for your response (and compliment). he seems unaware of it. The scar is forming (like any wound) in the mouth area. i may try a little aquafor (essentially vaseline) if it looks to be a little dry. I considered neosporin or some antibiotic cream, but decided against that since he would probably get it in his mouth. I would consider that for myself, but not a baby.

what do you think, should i be adding a little antibiotic at night to help with healing? (the wound is closed now by scar formation).

 

[Rachel_C]

Try not to worry and just leave it to heal on its own. Lips/mouths heal pretty quickly

You shouldn't be using antibiotics unless under medical advice. Using them a little here and there won't do anything and could actually make things worse (google 'antibiotic resistance' for some info).

 

[Destiny08]

as someone who gets the ulcers that things like a split lip will cause a lot...dont worry I've had the ulcers all my life and Im not permanently disfigured at all he'll heal up just fine!

 

[April2012]

yes, i suppose cuts, injuries in the mouth do seem to heal quickly. hopefully that includes the lips. i guess what is important that the bleeding stopped quite quickly (though it was pretty bloody that first minute)...and that it is healing hopefully laying down new skin cells.

 

[Destiny08]

yea they dont bleed much. since its on the lip, and exposed to the air it could dry out which could lead to it splitting if he laughs, smiles or talks...so make sure you keep it wet - lip balm or just vaseline to give it some moisture

 

[KayBea]

My LO has split her lip 3 times now

once was right in the corner of her mouth, that has scared as she also cut the actual skin not just her lip.. its hardly noticeable though.

the other 2 were her actual lip which healed fine & theres no scar.

all 3 bled for about 30 seconds but stopped & healed within 4-5 days.
i kept her on softer foods so she didnt split it open again for a few days. xx

 

[jd83]

Last year when my son was 2 he fell getting off his booster seat at the table, while holding a toy. Fell right on the toy on his mouth, and bit his lip at the same time. It was a rediculous amount of blood, and I couldn't tell if he had knocked a tooth out too because he fell so hard and there was so much blood I just couldn't tell. I rushed him to the hospital, but it had stopped bleeding by then with him holding a wet rag against it. His teeth were fine, and the big gash in his lip had stopped bleeding, but was still really swollen.

Doctor told us that lip wounds heal really fast since its such a vascular part of the body, and he didn't stitch it because he figured my son would mess with it more if there were stitches. he told us to be really vigilant to use SPF chapstick if we were outside for the next few months to avoid it scarring. We did that, and it healed just fine.