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May also be called: Cut

An open wound of the lip is a cut or break in the skin there. The wound may be minor and near the surface of the skin. Or it can be more serious, affecting deeper tissues of the lip, such as muscles, nerves, or blood vessels.

More to Know

Cuts of the upper or lower lip in kids usually are due to falls. Pulling on the injured lip to inspect the wound can make bleeding worse. 

A wound on a child’s face requires medical attention. Seek immediate help for cuts through the border of the lip, bleeding that will not stop, gaping wounds, wounds that cause severe pain and difficulty breathing or swallowing, or tooth or gum injuries.

Doctors may close an open wound of the lip with stitches.

Keep in Mind

After a child receives medical attention for a lip wound, follow instructions carefully to prevent infection and minimize scarring.

A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.