Abrasions, Cuts and Scratches in Children

Cuts caused by sharp objects like glass pieces, knife-edges or thorns either damage the skin just on the surface or go deep inside. While fingernails cause scars, abrasions occur due to friction or when the skin gets rubbed against a rough surface. Rug burns and board burns are examples of abrasion.

Wounds occurring under all three scenarios can cause bleeding. Bleeding normally takes place when the tiny blood vessels situated below the skin get ruptured. The Blood platelets help to stop the bleeding and also form scab, which should be removed as it slows the process of healing. If the bleeding does not stop, the wound should be covered with a soft cloth and then cleaned using lukewarm water and a mild soap. Antibacterial ointment that kills germs should be used to clean the wound and then it should be covered with a bandage, which will prevent the wound from being infected by bacteria. In such a case, the skin could turn red, it could swell or even produce yellow or green colored puss. The wound should stay try and the bandage should be changed everyday.

Abrasions, cuts and scratches do not require any special attention unless caused by animal claws or a rusty metallic surface. In such a case, a doctor should be consulted immediately as the animal could have rabies or the rust could make the wound septic. The doctor can prescribe antibiotics, lotions or even some injection. Parents should also ensure that tetanus shots are administered to the child on a regular basis.

Stitches should be given to the child in case the cuts are too deep or too long. Anesthesia is used to make the wounded area numb. The doctor then uses a needle and thread to stitch the wounded edges together. A special kind of glue can be used instead of stitches in case the cut is not too large. The glue holds the edges together and helps the skin to heal and gets dissolved over a period of time. Children need to see the doctor every week so that he can check the progress of the wound healing. Once the healing process is complete, the stitches are cut open using scissors and the threads are pulled off. Mostly the wound does not leave a scar but this mainly depends on the how effective the treatment method has been.