Management of infant wounds

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The presence of blood on an infant will surely trigger worry and panic for most parents. Most cases of wounds are minor and can be managed at home. Scrapes and cuts are unavoidable as a child grows up and as the infant becomes more mobile, he/she is likely to end up with minor wounds.

In case an infant sustains a wound, you can readily provide home care as long as you are familiar with measures to control the bleeding and apply dressings appropriately.

Wounds
If the wound of the infant is serious than a minor scrape or cut, a doctor should also be consulted as well.
  • Flush the wound of the infant using clean water to rinse away any dirt or debris. Continue the flushing process until all debris or dirt is removed.
  • Cleanse the wound using warm water and mild soap. Carefully rinse the wound to ensure that there is no leftover soap.
  • Apply pressure over the wound to control any bleeding. You can utilize a clean towel or cloth that is placed over the wound. Use gentle pressure until the bleeding ceases.
  • Apply a thin coating of ointment over the wound. You can utilize an antibiotic ointment to help keep the wound clean. You have to look for an ointment that is specifically made for infants since their skin are more sensitive to the ingredients in some wound care products.
  • Place a bandage over the ointment. You have to apply gentle pressure so that the bandage can fully stick to the skin of the infant.
  • Always check the wound on a regular basis. Make sure that it is healing and always clean. Old dressing should be removed and check the wound and apply a new set of clean bandages.

Important considerations to bear in mind

In case the wound turns red, painful as well as warm or drains pus, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible since this indicates an infection.

If the wound of the infant is serious than a minor scrape or cut, a doctor should also be consulted as well. It is also best to seek treatment if the injury does not stop bleeding after 5 minutes of applying direct pressure or if the injury is more than half an inch long.

Deep cuts also require the care of a doctor. In case the infant was bitten by another human or an animal, a doctor should be consulted. If the wound of the infant is bleeding profusely, call for emergency assistance and apply firm pressure until medical care is provided. If the wound is positioned on the neck or face, a doctor should also be consulted.

An antiseptic spray or wipes can be used to help clean the wound. Water and plain soap is also effective for most cases of minor scrapes and cuts. You can distract the infant while caring for the injury by telling a story or singing songs. In addition, character bandages can help the infant feel better since bright colors and images can distract the child from the discomfort and pain of the injury.

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