Parents: How to manage injuries at home —and when you need to go to the doctor

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire It’s a fact of life: kids get hurt. We do everything we can to keep them safe, but shy of sticking them in bubbles, which would be a bad idea for all sorts of reasons, the reality is that injuries happen. Luckily, most injuries can be managed quite well at home. Here are some tips on how to do that — and how to know when you shouldn’t. Cuts and scrapes The vast majority of cuts and scrapes just need a good washing (plain old soap and water is fine — use a washcloth if there is any dirt or other debris) and a clean bandage. Change the bandage daily with a washing (taking the bandage off before a bath or shower is often enough) and check out the area. If it looks at all red, a little antibiotic ointment can be helpful, but usually isn’t necessary (and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, so should be used sparingly). Get medical attention if: the edges of a cut gape open — that usually means stitches are needed. you can’t stop the bleeding with pressure—with one caveat: cuts on the lip or in the mouth bleed a lot, but usually don’t need medical attention. Try some ice (or a popsicle) and wait a little while. If it’s not stopping, call your doctor for advice. a cut or scrape is looking redder, or has spreading redness or pus, despite the antibiotic ointment. your child develops a fever. Animal or human bite The first thing to do with any bite is to wash it really well. Often bites can cause puncture wounds that can be deep...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Children's Health Injuries Pregnancy Safety Source Type: blogs