It has always been known that babies are very fragile and that we protect them at all times and from everything so that they do not suffer any damage. It is impossible to protect them from everything on many occasions since they get hurt or injured very easily. You do not have to overwhelm yourself in excess since it is something normal you probably also had a thousand mishaps when you were little, and there may even be some mark on your body that reminds you.
Cuts and scratches are the mishaps that children suffer the most since, in many cases, they are unavoidable, such as scratching them with a fingernail when picking them up or being accidentally cut by something. When that happens, you have to stay calm and check the area before rushing to the pediatrician since, in many cases, their intervention is not necessary. Take note of these tips to heal scratches and cuts in babies.
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Wash the wound
First of all, to heal scratches and cuts in babies, the wound should be washed to remove any remaining dirt. If the damage is superficial, it is essential to rinse it under a stream of cold tap water.
It should not be rubbed roughly; just let the water run for a few minutes on the wound and make sure that no particles or debris could later cause infection of the damage.
Cover the wound
After washing the wound with water, it must be covered to protect the area and prevent it from becoming infected. To do this, you must use a bandage, gauze, or bandage, depending on the size of the wound. In pharmacies, you can find specific dressings for children, such as those resistant to water, to last longer and adhere to the skin.
It is essential always to keep the wound clean and dry until it heals completely, so you should wash it with water, apply an antiseptic suitable for babies, such as chlorhexidine, and change the dressing every day until the scab is over—, which will be when it is cured. If the wound is not in an area that rubs against clothing, such as the head or hands, it can be left in the open air to dry better.
When the wound bleeds
If you notice that the wound is bleeding when treating cuts or scratches on the baby, it is best to put that part up and press clean gauze on it to stop the bleeding. If possible, raise the wound area above chest level to decrease blood flow. Whichever option you choose, let it be for 5 minutes. If you see that 10 minutes have passed and the blood continues to come out, it is best to go to the emergency room to be looked at, but on the way, it continues to press on the wound.
If the bleeding stops, wash the wound with mild soap and water and rinse with icy water. If, when passing them, you see that the damage is profound, you should go to the doctor since they will have to put stitches on it, and this must be done within 6 hours of the blow.
How to heal a wound on the baby’s lip
If you find yourself in a situation where the baby has injured his lip, the best thing you can do to stop the bleeding is to wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and place it on the area. If the wound is more significant than 3 mm, go quickly to the emergency room so that they can take care of you.
If the injury has occurred to the frenulum, you can rinse his mouth and clean it to see clearly if it has split or not. With a gauze moistened with saline solution, press on the wound and, if necessary, take it to the doctor.
What should not be done
- Do not use cotton to clean the wounds on the baby, as there could be remains.
- When bandaging the wound, never put too much pressure on it, as you could damage the child’s average blood circulation.
- Do not use iodine or alcohol to heal your baby’s cuts and scratches, as these products are not recommended for such young children.
- If an object is stuck in the wound, it is best not to remove it yourself, as it could cause more bleeding. Go to the doctor urgently so that he will be the one to do it.
When to go to the doctor for a cut or scratch on the baby
- If, after about 10 minutes, the wound does not stop bleeding.
- If the wound is profound or has occurred in sensitive parts, such as the face.
- If the wound is very open.
- Something is stuck in the wound.
- If a rusty object has caused a cut or scratch.
- Suppose the wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, inflammation, or discharge, if the little one has a fever.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.