Scrapes inoffensive but can be dangerous if not disinfected

Added: 12/06/2005

Probably cuts and scrapes are the injuries without which no person can do. But no doubt in childhood we have more wounds than at any other age. It is not fortuitous. The lifestyle of children is very active and it doesn?t take much to get a cut or scrape. Scrapes, injuries, when skin is torn, can be rather dangerous. The article gives some tips to the parents about how to act when their child hurts himself.

Children are busy all day long. They may run, jump, ride a bicycle and do a lot of other activities. As a rule, the frolicking is non-stop and sometimes can result in scrapes, tumbles and bruises. Scrapes are wounds when the skin is torn. These injuries cannot be called as serious and can be handled without doctor`s help but only with the first-aid kit. Nevertheless, there are cases when a physician is required.

The child`s physician will 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 treat the child`s wound yourself.

If the scrapes bleed heavily and the bleeding does not stop within 5-10 minutes after direct pressure.
If the scrapes 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 relevant to consult a doctor if you are worried about the wound of your child and have questions about it.

Here is the description of care for scrapes which should be performed. First of all, it is necessary to calm down the child and to let him or her know that you are going to help. After that you are to apply some pressure with 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 place using water and soap, but do not scrub it to avoid causing pain. You are to remove all the particles from the wound to prevent 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 is located 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 becomes 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 newly appeared skin and leave a scar. That is why it is not recommended to touch the scab.

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