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DEALING  WITH  CUTS  AND  GRAZES

Toddlers and young children are naturally inquisitive and, in their eagerness to explore new surroundings, they are bound to experience many tumbles and falls.

 

Most accidents will result in minor cuts and grazes, but your child is also at risk of causing himself a serious injury. As a parent, you should know how to treat a minor cut at home and be aware of what action to take in case your child sustains a more serious injury.

 

IS  YOUR  CHILD  IN  SHOCK?

 

If your child has suffered a fairly serious cut and is bleeding profusely, he may go into shock. This happens when blood pressure falls abnormally low. Symptoms of shock include a rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, dizziness, grey-blue skin (especially on the lips), nausea and sweating.

 

What to do?

 

• Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
• Make him comfortable and loosen his clothing. Reassure him.
• If possible, raise his legs so that the blood returns to his head.
• Keep your child warm with a blanket, but don't let him get too hot.
• Seek medical help immediately. 

When to seek medical help

 

There are some situations that require you to take your child to hospital immediately after you have given emergency first aid. These are when:

 

Your child has cut his face badly.

The wound is very dirty or has something embedded in it.

The wound is gaping or has jagged edges.

Bleeding is profuse, even after applying pressure.

The cut is large or deep.

You suspect a wound has been caused by a nail, broken glass or an animal.

Your child has a puncture wound, i, e. a deep wound with only a small hole in the skin.

Your child is in shock. 

Dos  and  Don'ts

If your child hurts himself, it is often difficult to think clearly about what to do. it may be useful to have a check-list of dos and don'ts.

• Do seek medical help for your child if you are in any doubt about his condition.
• Do consult your GP if the area around your child's wound becomes red and tender after treatment. It could be infected.
• Do add a handful of salt to your child's bath each day, to keep the wound clean and promote healing.
• Do cover a wound if your child is prone to picking and scratching, which could lead to infection.

Don’ts

• Don't attempt to move your child if he is badly hurt but out of danger. 
• Don't attempt to remove any object that is embedded in your child's wound. 
• Don't elevate a limb which may be broken.
• Don't apply a tourniquet or tie a dressing in place so tightly that you cut off circulation. 
• Don't fall behind with keeping up your child's tetanus injections. Check with your GP's surgery to find out if he is covered. 

Treating minor cuts step by step

 

With some basic equipment, a calm approach and this simple guide, you can confidently treat your child's minor cut at home.

 

Your child may be a little upset, so sit him down while he calms. Then wash your hands to prevent any infection getting into the wound.

Hold the wound under cold running water until it is clean and no grit or dirt are present. Gently pat the skin around the wound with kitchen roll or a clean cloth so that it is completely dry. 

Apply a sterile dressing or sticking plaster. Some cuts benefit from being held together with skin closure tapes, which help to ensure that the wound heals neatly. 

Change the dressing daily until the wound has healed completely. This will keep it moist, which will help it to heal more quickly. 

First aid at home

 

Every home should have the basic equipment necessary to administer first aid. Make sure you always have a supply of the following:

 

Bandages (crepe, elastic, gauze and triangular)

Antiseptic wipes or spray

Sticking plaster or surgical tape.

Sterile gauze

Adhesive dressings

Packet of skin closures

Tweezers

Safety pins

Blunt-tipped scissors

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