Childhood is the time of constant growth, development, and learning. It is during this period that children learn to independently  perform various motor skills. Young children are normally a bundle of energy and often indulge in many indoor and outdoor physical activities and become prone to accidental minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. It is recommended that parents of toddlers and young children always be prepared to tend to these minor injuries. In this health article we bring forward to you some simple tips to treat your child’s cuts and bruises at home. 

Tips to manage cuts in toddlers and young children

  • Always ensure your hands are washed with soap and water before you attend to your child’s injuries to avoid infecting the wound.
  • Start applying pressure around the cut to control (stop) the bleeding.
  • Once bleeding stops, look for the presence of foreign bodies such as dirt, debris, or gravel embedded in the wound, and gently clean the wound under running cool water to remove these foreign particles.
  • Make sure you use clean tweezers to pluck (remove) any visible embedded fragments in the cuts.
  • Avoid applying alcohol, astringents, or oils directly over the cut, as they may interfere with wound healing.
  • Once you have thoroughly cleaned the wound apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You can also use petroleum jelly to prevent drying of the injured area.
  • Put a band-aid over the injured area. 
  • Change the band-aid daily until the scab forms.
  • Once the scab formation starts, ensure that your child does not scratch over the scab or pick the scab, as it may delay the healing process.
  • If the cut is deep and bleeding continues for long, it is recommended you consult a doctor.

Tips to manage bruises in toddlers and young children

  • Apply ice-pack to the bruise without any delay. 
  • This will prevent the injury from turning black or blue and also help reduce the inflammation, make the area numb and thereby, reduce pain.
  • If using an ice cube, make sure to wrap the ice cube in a towel or a napkin rather than applying it directly on the skin.
  • Iced the bruised area for no more than 15 to 20 minutes several times a day in the first 24 hours. Continue icing the area for up to 48 hours.
  • Try elevating the part of the body that is bruised to prevent pooling of blood around the injured area.
  • After 48 hours, if required you may apply a hot or warm pack to the injured area to boost the healing process.
  • Do not let your child wear tight clothes around the injured area. 
  • It is important to keep the bruises covered, but avoid any tightness, constrictions, or restrict the circulation. 
  • Protect the bruise from exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Consult a doctor immediately if you feel the bruise is getting worse.

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