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KidsCare Online

Skin Trauma (Injury)

Care at Home

ADVICE for treating MILD BRUISES, CUTS & SCRAPES

Bruises:
- Apply a cold pack or an ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth for no more than 20 minutes to stop the bleeding.
- After 48 hours apply a warm, wet wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes (abrasions):
- Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Caution: never soak a wound that might need sutures, because it may become more swollen and difficult to close.)
- For any dirt, scrub it gently with a washcloth.
- Cut off any pieces of loose skin using fine scissors (cleaned with rubbing alcohol).
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
- Liquid skin bandage is a new product that seals wounds with a plastic coating that lasts up to one week.
- Liquid skin bandage has several benefits when compared to a regular bandage (like a Band-Aid). Liquid bandage only needs to be applied once to minor cuts and scrapes. It helps stop minor bleeding. It seals the wound and may promote faster healing and lower infection rates. But it is more expensive.
- After the wound is washed and dried, the liquid is applied by spray or with a swab. It dries in less than a minute and usually lasts a week. It is resistant to bathing.
- It is available at most pharmacies.
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.