Children are busy all day long. They may run, jump, ride a bicycle and do a lot of other activities. As a rule, they are brimming with energy and sometimes it can result in cuts, scrapes, tumbles and bruises. Cuts can be characterized as wounds with skin slices open. These injuries are often qualified as serious and can be handled without doctor`s help but only with the first-aid kit. Nevertheless, there are cases when a physician`s assistance is required.
A child`s physician can choose the most efficient and safe treatment for your child`s injury. Here are the cases when it is better to call your physician and not try to cure the child yourself.
If the cuts bleed heavily and do not stop within 5-10 minutes after direct pressure.
If the cuts are longer or deeper than ? inch.
If the wound is near the eye.
If the wound is caused by a rusty or dirty object.
If the wound contains gravel, dirt or stones.
If the wound is ragged.
If the wound is caused by a human or animal bite.
If the wound causes unbearable pain.
If the wound demonstrates infection signs, like warmth, swelling, drainage or redness.
There are certain cases when it is necessary to call your physician by all means. For example, in case if your child has not been vaccinated from tetanus during the last 5 years. It is also necessary to consult a doctor if you are concerned about the wound and have questions about it.
Here is the description of care for cuts which should be performed. First of all, it is necessary to calm down the child and to let him know that you are going to help him. After that it is necessary to apply some pressure with the help of a clean bandage or cloth for some minutes in order to stop bleeding. Don`t forget to wash your own hands. Then wash the damaged area with water and soap, but do not scrub it to avoid causing pain. It is necessary to remove all the particles from the wound to escape infections and scarring. You may let the water from the faucet pour over the wound for some time. After washing the wound it is possible to apply some antiseptic cream or lotion to the damaged area. It is required to cover the injury if it has been inflicted on the hands or legs or if it is going to drain on clothing. Don`t forget to change the dressing often. Try to check the area every day and don`t forget to keep it clean and leave it for some time without any clothing in order to let it dry. Never blow on the wound because it may cause germ growing.
Some time later the injury starts clotting. This process is rather important because it prevents fluids and blood from leaking out. Clotting forms a crust on the wound, thus giving the cells under it an opportunity to heal. Under the scab new skin cells appear in order to heal the wound. The blood vessels get normal, the white cells of the blood fight the germs that may have got into the injury. It is impossible to see but a new layer of skin is formed under the scab. So, when the new layer of skin is ready, the scab falls off. It usually takes about 2 weeks. But if you try to take off the scab yourself, you may damage the new skin and leave a scar. That is why it is not recommended to touch the scab.