Children explore the world around them by touching and grabbing everything they can get their hands on. Unfortunately, this leaves them prone to minor mishaps such as getting splinters or thorns stuck under their skin. While you can’t control their curious nature, you can definitely learn how to correctly remove splinters from the skin so that your child can go on exploring, worry-free.
How to get rid of a stubborn splinter-
If the splinter is jutting out, you can use a pair of tweezers to pull it out directly. However, if it’s embedded under the skin, here’s how you can extract it:
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Sterilize a needle over a flame or by using rubbing alcohol
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Gently prick the skin over the splinter, do not push the needle too deep
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Using tweezers, pull the splinter out.
If the entry wound is large, you can use a spot plaster to patch it up.
Scraped knees and elbows:
With all their flailing around, kids are quite prone to the occasional tumble. Their knees and elbows usually bear the brunt of their adventures. Knee scrapes and elbow scrapes are common sports injuries in children, hence it’s important for every parent to know how to treat them.
In abrasion wounds like these, the top layer of the skin often gets peeled off by friction. This friction can also cause dirt to get embedded into the wound. Hence, the first step to dealing with an abrasion wound is to properly clean and disinfect it. Post that, you can patch it up with a wound plaster.
Here is the step-by-step procedure to follow:
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Put pressure on the wound with gauze or a clean, non-fibrous cloth
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Run the wound under cool water
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Gently remove any debris from the wound
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Cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly
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Apply an appropriately sized wound plaster over the injury
While cleaning the wound, take care not to rub the area aggressively. Do not attempt to remove deep-set debris yourself. Visit a doctor’s clinic if your child’s wound is not healing even after a few days have passed.
Muscle pulls and sprains:
With all of the jumping, running, spinning and dancing around that kids get up, minor muscle injuries are common fare. If you suspect your child has pulled a muscle or sprained an ankle, here’s what you should do:
Rest
Give the muscle enough time to rest and recover, this means no more sports or jumping around for a while.
Ice
Use an ice pack to ice the affected area. This will bring down any swelling and numb the pain.
Compress
Using a crepe bandage or a compression band, wrap the injured area just tight enough to give proper support to the muscle without interfering with the circulation.
Elevate
Keep the injured limb elevated above heart level to reduce pain and throbbing. For example, if your child has sprained their ankle, ask them to keep it propped up on a pillow when they are lying down.
If you suspect the injury is too severe to be treated at home, consult a doctor for further advice.
Most importantly, remember that a calm child is much easier to treat than a crying one. Children take their cue on how to behave from their parents. If you seem distressed or alarmed in an emergency situation, your child will in turn get upset and scared. Hence, try to stay composed and steady, comfort your child first before beginning to treat the wound. As long you take charge and do not fret, your child will feel all the more safe and calm.
Read here for more important first-aid tips- First Aid at Home - A Step By Step Guide
Disclaimer - Please note that the above recommendations are general care tips. Consult a health care professional in case of any uncertainty around wound treatment and healing.
Always see your doctor if a wound is deep, bleeding profusely or shows signs of infection. For diabetic patients especially, proper wound care holds the utmost importance. Do not hesitate to discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or your podiatrist, even when it comes to minor wounds and cuts – especially if they’re on your feet.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Although compiled with great care, it is not a substitute for professional advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult your doctor immediately.
For further information regarding Hansaplast products, please contact us via email at customer.care@bdfindia.com
