How to Treat Your Child's Open Wound
How to Treat Your Child's Open Wound
With all the rambunctious activities that your little one engages in, it's almost inevitable that he'll skin a knee, cut a finger or hit his head. Children are prone toopen wounds, since they play a lot and get exposed to the outside environment. It should not bother you, however, since the human body normally regenerates tissues and heals itself. What you should know is how to attend to the wound, in order to facilitate andhasten the healing process.
It's actually simple and easy totreat your child's open wound. You have to remain calm, because little kids are, in fact, scared of feelings of mutilation. This explains why they hold on too tight to the body part that they hurt, worried that they'll lose it. Here are some helpful tips on how to act on the situation accordingly.
1.Be calm.
Some parents would do the wrong thing of looking bewildered or shocked at the sight of a gaping wound. The reaction will only intensify the child's fear and will not be conducive for participative treatment. When your child runs to you showing ableeding hand, keep your surprised reactions to yourself and take your child inside the house for treatment.
2.Cleanse.
If it's a fairly small wound, take your child to the bathroom and let cool running water flow on it. Let the water run for a good one to two minutes while cleaning the wound with mild soap. Don't forget to dab the wound dry with a towel. Do not rub as it only intensifies pain and will most likely skin the wound.
3.Apply Pressure.
If it's a rather big wound showing a lot of blood, your utmost priority is to apply pressure. Always use your hand to do so, to effectively minimize blood flow in the area and reduce bleeding. Get a clean towel or cloth and place it directly on the wound for at least four minutes, depending on the size. Very large wounds with severed arteries or veins may require a tourniquet. Only use a tourniquet as a final resort, as this can severely impede circulation.
4.Elevation.
Always elevate the affected area to minimize bleeding and maintain normal blood pressure levels. Keep your child in an upright position if the wound is at the head, neck or shoulder area. Let your child lie down with his arm or leg elevated if the wound is located at the extremities. Elevation makes use of gravitational pull to help prevent bleeding out.
5.Medication.
After washing and drying fairly small wounds, apply hydrogen peroxide gently on the area to prevent bacterial contamination. Remember to blow on the wound as you apply, to reduce pain sensations. Very small wounds may not require bandages for faster healing, but your child may still ask you to put a bandage on. This is fine. They simply do not want to see an opening in their body.
For more serious wound types, do not attempt to treat it on your own or move your child to prevent further injury. Immediately apply pressure or elevate the area tostop the bleeding . Call for help and stay with your child until medical support arrives.
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