Cuts and scrapes are a part of being a kid. From falling off bikes to injuries during team sports, it’s important for parents and other caregivers to know first aid, especially in regards to children. The sooner a wound can be treated, the less likely it will scar. Let’s take a look at how to treat wounds on young bodies to help reduce scarring.
Treating Minor Cuts in Kids
As alluded to above, it’s important to treat a wound right away to ensure it doesn’t scar, or at least to reduce the risk of scarring. The first step is to wash your hands, then rinse the cut out with warm water to see it more clearly and assess for size and depth.
In the event the cut is bleeding…
- Don latex or rubber gloves.
- Place sterile gauze or clean cloth over the cut.
- Apply pressure on the cut for five to 10 minutes.
- If still bleeding, apply pressure for another five to 10 minutes.
- If blood starts to soak through the gauze, place another gauze pad on top without removing the first one. Keep applying pressure.
- Raise the affected body part above the child’s heart, without applying a tourniquet.
- If the wound is still bleeding after 15 to 20 minutes, bring your child to the doctor, urgent care, or ER.
In the event the cut is not bleeding or you were successful in stopping the bleeding:
- Rinse the cut with water to get the dirt and debris out.
- Wash the area around the cut with mild soap and then rinse well. Don’t use an antiseptic solution, as it can cause a skin reaction.
- Cover the area with a clean bandage or gauze and tape.
- Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet.
- After a scab has formed, you no longer need to apply a bandage.
- Once the wound is healed, apply a silicone gel like Scarfade to the area twice a day to reduce scar appearance.
Clean the cut and assess its condition every day. If it appears red, tender, swollen, or warm; or if it drains pus and a fever develops, call the doctor. Most minor cuts do not require the use of antibiotic cream or ointment as long as you keep them clean and they heal properly.
When to Get Medical Care For a Cut
Seek immediate medical care for a cut if it:
- Is deep or has widely-separated edges
- Continues to bleed or ooze after applying pressure
- Was caused by a human or animal bite
- Is a puncture wound (i.e., from a nail)
Make Scarfade a Part of Your First Aid Routine
A big part of any first aid regimen for kids is having the tools necessary to reduce the appearance of scars after an injury. Purchase Scarfade today or get in touch to find out the benefits of our products, which are all safe on kids.