Once they leave the crib, your small children soon learn that the world can be a harsh place, with gravity, their still-developing coordination, and rough surfaces conspiring against them.
Your skills as your child’s primary source of first aid go beyond simple cuts and scrapes. As pediatrics specialists, the team at Bethel Family Medicine in Brockton, Massachusetts, led by Dr. Douglas Grogan, are your partners in medical care for your child.
Beyond minor cuts and scrapes, a parent should know a few simple first aid steps. We’ve gathered these here to provide you with a quick guide to handle the bumps and bruises that most children experience in their daily lives.
With a bleeding injury like a cut or scrape, stopping the bleeding is the first priority. Put pressure on the cut or scrape using a clean cloth or gauze to slow the bleeding.
When it’s under control, take care to ensure the wound is clean. Any bleeding injury is a potential invasion route for bacteria and other pathogens.
Make sure your hands and any materials touching the wound are clean. Use cool water to clean the area, but don’t use soap or cleansers, which can irritate the wound.
Use clean tweezers to remove any embedded debris and place a bandage on wounds in areas that may be prone to reinjury. Once you stop the bleeding, the wound may heal more quickly if you leave it uncovered.
When it’s difficult to stop the bleeding, or if the edges of the wound are ragged, contact our office for further instructions.
While most head injuries are minor, it’s still important to monitor for a concussion. Watch for symptoms like:
Anything that seems off about your child’s behavior or responses may indicate a concussion. Seek emergency medical care if the symptoms are severe.
Otherwise, cold compresses and acetaminophen should control the pain. Don’t use other pain medications, since they can increase any internal bleeding.
Inquisitive young children can end up with burns, often on their hands. Hold a burn injury under cool tap water for about 10-15 minutes to control pain and inflammation. Antibiotic ointment can start the healing process.
Should a blister form, the bubble is a preventive barrier that guards against infection. Leave the blister intact until it pops on its own after a few days, then bandage it to protect the sensitive skin it leaves exposed.
When a burn covers an area larger than the size of your child’s palm, it’s in a delicate place such as the face or genitals, or it has a wet and waxy appearance, call our office right away.
Contact Bethel Family Medicine at 508-588-1200 to make an appointment with us about any pediatric concerns you may have, or any family care you need. Book your visit today.
