CHILD’S HEALTH/SKIN DISORDERS: ABRASIONS
Posted on May 21, 2009 under General health | No CommentAbrasion is a general term given to an injury such as a graze, scratch or cut. These are a common occurrence in childhood, and if not severe can usually be treated at home.
Treatment
Clean all sores immediately with running water to remove dirt. Clean the surrounding skin with clean gauze or a handtowel soaked in water. Do not use cotton wool as this can leave fibres in the wound. Always wipe away from the wound — never wipe from the surrounding skin towards the wound. Use a diluted antiseptic solution to clean the sore — this will sting, but you need to persist with its use in order to prevent infection. Then cover the sore with a sterile, non-stick dressing. If the wound is bleeding, apply firm pressure for 10 minutes.
When to see your doctor
• if the abrasion is deep and does not stop bleeding despite firm pressure;
• if there is a lot of dirt, gravel, or pieces of wood, metal or glass in the abrasion;
• if it is a large abrasion with rough or jagged edges;
• if you are unsure whether your child is up to date with his tetanus immunisation.
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