- Bleeding: For any bleeding, apply continuous pressure for 5 minutes.
- Cleansing:
- Wash all wounds immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- Flush vigorously under a faucet (running water) for a few minutes
(Reason: Can prevent many wound infections).
- Scrub the wound enough to make it re-bleed a little
(Reason: To help with cleaning out the wound).
- Antibiotic Ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment (such as- Neosporin, Bacitracin) to the bite 3 times a day for three days.
- Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief.
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
- Bruises: Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet washcloth once for 20 minutes. Reason:reduce bleeding, pain and swelling.
- Expected Course: Most scratches, scrapes and other minor bites heal up fine in 3 to 5 days.
- IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.
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