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DEALING  WITH  MINOR  INJURIES 

Cuts, grazes and sprains are a common occurrence in young children. Although a child may be distressed by a fall, injuries are often minor and can be dealt with at home.

 

• Always keep a well-stocked first-aid box at home so that you have everything that you need to hand. 
• Play 'doctors and nurses' with your child, and apply bandages and plasters to her dolls and teddies. This will help her to feel more confident about being the patient. 
• If a cut becomes infected, seek medical advice. 

DRESSING

 

Dressings can be used to cover minor wounds after they've been cleaned and dried. They help to control bleeding and keep the area clean. Always wear disposable gloves when applying a dressing to help prevent cross-infection.

 

Sterile dressings: these consist of a dressing pad attached to a bandage in sterile packaging. Various sizes are available.

 

Non-adhesive sterile dressings: some dressing pads are designed so that they do not stick to the damaged skin.

 

Gauze pads: these can be used to clean around a wound. They can also be used for extra padding

 

Skin closure tapes: these sticky strips are used to hold the edges of a cut together before applying a dressing. Use them on your own child only.

 

PLASTERS

 

Plasters protect small cuts or grazes after they have been cleaned and dried. They stop germs getting into the cut, and protect against knocks.

 

Individual fabric plasters: pre-cut plasters that are quick to apply and stick well.

 

Waterproof plasters: these plasters stay on even in water, keeping the cut clean and dry

 

NOTE: some children are allergic to plasters and may develop a rash when they are applied. If this happens, remove the plaster immediately. Instead, use a dry dressing secured in place with micropore (a non-allergenic tape).

 

BANDAGES

 

Bandages are used to hold dressings in place, usually on limbs, or to help support a sprain.

 

Stretch bandage: for holding dressings in place. The skin around a cut may swell so the bandage must be able to stretch.

 

Crepe bandage: a soft, stretchy bandage that holds dressings in place. It also provides support for a sprain.

Tubular bandage: this sleeve-like bandage supports sprained joints.

 

Triangular bandage: ideal as a 'sling' for a damaged arm. 

 

APPLYING A ROLLED BANDAGE:

If you are bandaging a limb, follow the steps below:

 

Wrap a clean, rolled bandage around the limb, starting at a point lower than the injury. Keep it taut as you move up the limb. 

Finish wrapping at a point above the injured area. Secure the end with a safety pin or, in a young child, dressing tape. 

Check that the bandage isn't too tight, both after putting it on and later. The fingers or toes should be their normal co lour - if they are darker, reapply the bandage more loosely. If the bandage covers a wound, remove it daily and apply a clean dressing. 

First aid for cuts and grazes

 

Dealing with a cut or graze is straightforward if you remember a few simple steps:

 

• Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves, if available. 
• Wash the cut thoroughly using running water to remove any dirt and debris. Pat the area dry with kitchen roll or a clean cloth. 
• Cover the area, either with a plaster or a clean dressing-pad secured with dressing-tape. Elevate if possible. 
• Examine the wound daily. If the dressing gets wet, remove it immediately and apply a new one. 
• Check that the wound is healing properly. If the affected area becomes red, more swollen and painful, or if pus appears to be forming on the wound, seek medical advice. 

When treating your child's cuts and grazes, first make sure the wound is clean. Applying an antiseptic is not essential but may give extra reassurance. 

 

When to call the doctor

 

Although you will be able to deal with most of your child's cuts and grazes, seek medical advice if:

 

• The cut is deep, gaping or has jagged edges. 
• Your child has a deep face or head cut, especially if it follows a knock to the head.
• There is something embedded in the wound or it is very dirty. 
• The bleeding does not stop after applying pressure. 
• The wound was caused by an animal bite. 
• There is pain or signs of infection, such as redness and pus. 

NOTE: normal childhood vaccinations will protect your child against tetanus.

 

Cuts and grazes are not difficult to treat at home, but seek medical advice if there are signs of infection. It is easier to treat problems in their early stages

 

Antiseptics

 

Antiseptics may be used on your own child but not on another without parental permission. Antiseptics come in various forms:

 

Liquid antiseptic: either in a bottle or in sachets. A bottle of antiseptic may be one of the cheapest options, but don't use it if it has passed the expiry date.

 

Cream or gel in a tube: take care not to touch the wound with the tube as it may pick up germs. Put some of the cream on to a clean swab and then apply to the affected area.

 

Antiseptic wipes: these can be very useful if you are away from home. Always clean the wound from the centre outwards. Discard each wipe after use. 

 

Antiseptic sprays: these are quick and convenient. Hold the spray upright and apply from about 7.5cm (3in) away.

 

Keep antiseptic cream or wipes in your first-aid box along with a selection of plasters and bandages.

 

NOTE: always read the instructions on the label. Do not use antiseptics on babies aged under three months. Store antiseptics in a cool place out of the reach of children. Check the expiry date regularly.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.