Pregnancy & Baby 

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Cuts and Scrapes

Most children will get cuts and scrapes from time to time, but do you know the right way to treat and soothe the wounds?

The cries from an injured child can strike fear into the hearts of parents. However, the actual damage from these wounds is usually much less severe than the shrieks would lead you to believe. When there's a large scrape or abrasion, pouring blood can look ominous when there's very little in actual blood loss.

What can/should be done at home

• Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
• For scrapes, rinse the area with clean water and then wash with an antiseptic wash or soap and water.
• For cuts, simply rinsing with water is usually enough for adequate cleaning.
• Cover the area with an antiseptic ointment and then apply a sterile dressing.
• To get the edges of a cut to meet, apply an adhesive bandage.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Once a scab has formed, a bandage or plaster is generally not needed.

When to get immediate attention

• If bleeding doesn't stop within ten minutes of applying pressure to the wound
• If the cut is deep and it looks as if stitches may be required
• If it is a puncture wound, particularly when the hands or feet are involved
• If there is any numbness around the scrape or cut
• If the cut was caused by a dirty object - a tetanus booster shot may be required
• If you are concerned that there may be dirt, glass or any other object trapped deep within the cut or abrasion

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