Common Childhood Injuries

Lacerations

Generally speaking, if a wound is gaping open, it needs to be checked. Please call if you have any concern. Wash well with soap and water. If the wound is dirty (cut outdoors or a nail puncture wound), your child will need a tetanus booster if it has been more than 5 years since the last DTaP, DT, Tdap, dT, or tetanus shot. This is not an emergency and can wait until office hours.

Scrapes, cuts, abrasions

Wash thoroughly with soap and water and apply Neosporin. Call if a red area develops around the wound after 1-2 days or it begins to leak pus.

Burns

Flush profusely with cold water. Call if it is severe or involves the face or groin. Use Tylenol for pain. Do not apply grease to the burn.

Animal Bites

Wash immediately with lots of soap and water. Call to see if larger bites (ones that gape) need to be stitched. Phone calls about tetanus shots should wait until office hours. Some bites may show signs of infection in the first 18-24 hours such as swelling and red streaks. Apply hot compresses and Neosporin, and call during the day for an appointment. Certain types of bites such as cats, bats, mice, rodents, or bites by unknown dogs may need further attention and a discussion about the risk of rabies.

Head Injuries

Although most head injuries are minor, all are potentially serious. Pump knots on the forehead are normal and can be immediate and large.

IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCUR, CALL US FOR ADVICE:

• Unconsciousness
• Vomiting more than one time
• Persistent disorientation
• Visual disturbance
• Personality change

Most children bump their heads, cry, then want to sleep. It is fine to let them sleep, but wake them every 2-3 hours to make sure they recognize you and act appropriately. If you have any questions, please call.

Insect Bites and Stings

Immediately apply a paste of baking soda or meat tenderizer to the site. Local swelling is expected and ice can be helpful. Benadryl may be given every 6 hours also. Call if there is any swelling of the mouth or lips or any difficulty breathing.

The bites can become infected. Apply Neosporin and keep fingernails short and clean to help prevent infection. Call for increasing redness after 24 hours or pus.

Tick Bites

Tick bites are worrisome to parents. Ticks usually only spread disease if they have been attached 24 hours or more. Remove the ticks by using a pair of tweezers and pulling the whole tick off with gentle tension. You may also pull and turn the tick in a clockwise manner. Try to place the tweezers very near the area of attachment. Call if your child develops rash, fever, or joint pain after a tick bite.

Ingestions

Call poison control FIRST if there is any type of ingestion. Poison control's number is 1-800-222-1222. Their number should be posted by the phone at home and added to your cell phone's contacts.