You'll Be All Right

Preschoolers are naturally active, and with that comes bruises, scrapes and other accidents. Here’s how to deal with common childhood emergencies.

- Andrea Kee

Deep scratches and cuts

Deep cuts tend to bleed a lot, so first compress the wound with a clean towel to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, wash the cut under running water for five to 10 minutes to get rid of dirt. Apply an antiseptic gel or cream and leave the wound to heal.

“Observe the child to make sure the wound is healing, and see a doctor if there are any signs of infection such as increased swelling, redness, pus discharge or fever,” says Dr Lynette Wee, a paediatric senior resident from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

If it’s a huge open wound, compress it, but still seek emergency care immediately, says Dr Ratna Sridjaja, a paediatrician from Gleneagles Hospital. “Any open wound may mean the need for a tetanus booster even when the child is currently immunised.”

Shallow burns and scalds

Wash the wound under cool (not cold) running water for 10 minutes. Dr Ratna says you shouldn’t apply ice, butter, grease, medicine or ointment to the burn – just put a gauze bandage lightly over it.

Burns and scalds are extremely painful, says Dr Wee, so it is a good idea to give your child painkillers.

You should also look for signs of infection like increased redness or swelling. “If it’s a large area or it involves the face, eyes, groin area, palms and soles of the feet, see a doctor immediately,” she adds.

For fast-acting relief for shallow burns and scalds, you can use Aluminaid (from $2.95 at Guardian and Unity outlets). This burn dressing conducts heat away from first- and second-degree burns, thus relieving pain and preventing the heat from damaging deeper tissue layers. It comes in a range of sizes for use on the hands, torso, arms and legs.