Adventure and play are essential components of a healthy childhood. However, while searching for buried treasure or exploring the distant lands of imagination, active kids may acquire a few cuts and scrapes along the way. Whatever the cause of the wound, a little care at home can help them heal and get back to their next mission.
Tending to minor injuries
Some wounds may require a visit to a walk-in clinic, urgent care or emergency room, but most care and healing will occur at home. If your child's doctor told you how to care for the wound, follow their instructions. If not, here are some general guidelines for tending to minor injuries:
Protecting the wound
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You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline®, and a nonstick bandage.
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Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
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Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
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Keep the wound dry for the first 24 to 48 hours.
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If your doctor okays it, your child can shower after this time period. Gently pat the wound dry afterward.
Learn more about how to dress a wound in this video.
Supporting healing
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Make sure your child takes all antibiotics and medications as prescribed by their doctor, even if they begin to feel better.
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Do not attempt to remove any stitches or staples on your own. Their doctor will tell you when to come back to have them removed.
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Leave on tape strips or butterfly stitches until they fall off naturally.
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When possible, prop up the injured area on a pillow anytime your child sits or lies down during the first 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your child's heart to help reduce swelling.
When to call
Depending on the severity of the injury, the doctor may schedule a follow-up visit for your child to come in for a wound check. The wound check lets the doctor know how your child's wound is healing and if your child needs more treatment.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child does not get better as expected or if you notice signs of infection, such as:
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Increased pain, swelling, warmth or redness.
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Red streaks leading from the wound.
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Pus draining from the wound.
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A fever
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
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Your child has new pain, or the pain gets worse.
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The skin near the wound is cold or pale or changes color.
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Your child has tingling, weakness or numbness near the wound.
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The wound starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
To learn more about Parkview's Wound Care services, visit us here.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
