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Caring for Common Skin Injuries
First Aid for Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises
By Charlene Torkelson
How can you tell if a cut needs the attention of a doctor? Bertelson says to check if the edges of the cut are clean and come together. If they do, a doctor's appointment is unnecessary. A butterfly bandage works nicely to close cuts with clean edges. However, if the skin edge is jagged, the cut deep, the opening gaping and oozing with blood, the cut may need stitches from a doctor.
Bertelson also recommends checking to make sure tetanus shots are up to date. Most school-age children have had their required tetanus shot with a booster when going into seventh grade. She recommends that parents check their own tetanus shots as well – one every 10 years.
As for bruises, Bertelson suggests a little ice. "A bag of frozen peas or corn is great to use as an ice pack because it goes nicely around body parts, but you probably won't want to cook it up for supper after using it that way," she says, laughing. Another ice pack suggestion she recommends is filling Dixie cups about three-fourths full of water and freezing. "They are great for bruised lips and mouths because kids can suck on the ice like a Popsicle."
Bertelson also suggests watching any cut, scrape or bruise for unusual swelling, prolonged pain or discoloration. The AAFP Family Health Facts brochure additionally suggests watching for a rise in temperature, numbness, red streaks near the cut, discomfort in movement or bleeding that doesn't stop after 10 minutes. Then a doctor's appointment would be wise to check for any serious complications.
