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CUTS AND GRAZES
What are they?
All children
will undergo the childhood initiation of getting cuts and scrapes. These
injuries may come in the form of a simple cut, abrasion, or scrape, and
sometimes they are more serious. Most of these wounds can be taken care of at
home, but occasionally the Doctor may need to help out.
What are the symptoms?
The cries of a
child who sustains one of these injuries can strike fear in the hearts of
parents. However, the actual damage due to these wounds is usually much less
severe than the shrieks would lead one to believe. When there is a large scrape
or abrasion, the oozing of blood can look ominous when really there is very
little in actual blood loss.
What can/should be done at home
- Apply
pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- For
grazes, rinse the area with clean water and then wash with soap and water.
- For
cuts, simply rinsing with water is usually enough for adequate cleaning.
- Cover
the area with an antibiotic ointment and then apply a sterile dressing.
- To
get the edges of a cut to meet, apply an adhesive bandage.
- Keep
the area clean and dry.
- Once
a scab has formed, a bandage is generally not needed.
When to get immediate attention
- If
bleeding doesn't stop within 10 minutes of applying pressure to the wound
- If
the cut is deep and it looks as if stitches may be required
- If
it is a puncture wound, particularly when the hands or feet are involved
- If
there is any numbness around the scrape or cut
- If
the cut was caused by a dirty object -- a tetanus booster shot may be
required
- If
you have concerns that there may be dirt, glass, or any other object trapped
within the cut or abrasion
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Please
Note: This
mumsweb.com area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not
rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention,
diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that
of a child's, please consult your family Doctor immediately.. mumsweb.com
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