1. Just Scraping By
Perhaps the most common childhood injury is a scraped knee or elbow. Run cool water over the scrape to remove any dirt that's lodged into the skin. Wash it gently with an antibacterial soap to help prevent infection. Don't use a washcloth or gauze to wipe or pat the scrape because you could damage the skin or force dirt deeper into the wound. Once the scrape is clean, apply an antibiotic ointment. Be sure not to touch the sterile tip of the ointment's tube to the skin. Put a clean bandage on the scrape and keep the wound covered until you can see new skin. Change the bandage once a day at bath time.
2. Bloody Lips Are No Big Deal
Little ones often split their lips if they bump their mouths or their lips become chapped. Have your child rinse her mouth out with cold water. Then gently clean the cut with a damp washcloth. Apply a cold compress to the split lip to help with swelling and pain. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen also helps with swelling and discomfort. Your child should avoid eating salty and acidic foods until the cut is healed.
3. A Knock to the Noggin
If your child bumps his head, first clean and bandage any surface cuts. Check your child's pupils with a flashlight. The pupils should be the same size and close when you shine the light into them. If the pupils seem abnormal, call your child's pediatrician as it could be a sign of a concussion. If your child's pupils are normal and he is alert, keep the day's activities calm. Offer only clear fluids and bland foods for the rest of the day. If your child begins vomiting, call the pediatrician.
4. Elbow Nuisances
Nursemaid's elbow, also called toddler's elbow, occurs most commonly with children younger than age five. Nursemaid's elbow refers to the dislocation of the elbow when pressure is applied. This commonly happens when a child stumbles while holding an adult's hand. Nursemaid's elbow should initially be treated by a doctor, who can usually resolve the problem without taking an X-ray. Once the child is home, keep her comfortable with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Treat swelling by applying a cold compress to the elbow.
5. Missing Teeth
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, rinse the mouth out with cold water until the gum stops bleeding. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, immediately call a dentist. Gently place the tooth back into the socket and have the child bite down on some gauze to keep it in place on the way to the dentist. If you can't get the tooth back into the socket, place it into a contained with your child's saliva or a little bit of milk. Don't rinse the tooth in tap water because the chemicals could damage the root.
