Minor injuries are an inevitable part of childhood, whether from running barefoot in the yard, playing outdoors or simply being curious.
While most cuts, stings and bites can be managed safely at home, knowing the correct first aid can reduce the risk of infection and help children recover more quickly.
Here are practical guidelines for treating puncture wounds, insect stings and bites, and animal or human bites, along with the warning signs that mean it is time to seek medical attention.
Puncture or “jook”
A puncture wound does not usually bleed very much, but the sharp object that caused it—such as a nail, pencil or piece of wire—may carry germs deep into the body, increasing the risk of infection.
Allow the wound to bleed slightly before washing it thoroughly with soap and warm water. Apply gentle pressure for about ten minutes.
If the puncture is on the sole of the foot, keep the wound covered, clean and dry, and, if possible, encourage the child to stay off the foot for a couple of days.
While this may be difficult with active youngsters, soaking the puncture in warm, soapy water for ten minutes each day for three days helps keep the wound open so germs and debris can drain away while keeping it clean.
There is no need for expensive antibiotic creams, as soap and water are usually effective at reducing germs. However, if the puncture is on the face, hands or genitals, contact your doctor. Ensure your child’s tetanus vaccinations are up to date.
Red flags:
Contact your doctor if the area around the wound becomes warm, swollen, red or numb, or if it begins to discharge pus or cloudy fluid, particularly if pain develops after several days.
Insect bite or sting
Mosquito bites are generally harmless, although calamine lotion or a mild hydrocortisone cream can help relieve itching. Children with allergies may react more dramatically, with bites becoming unusually red and swollen. An over-the-counter antihistamine syrup may also provide relief.
Excessive scratching can lead to infection or impetigo. The itching should settle within a day or two. Persistent itching may indicate an allergy and should be assessed by a paediatrician.
Bee and jack spaniard (jep) stings are usually painful but otherwise harmless. However, some people can experience a severe allergic reaction, including an itchy rash with raised welts, wheezing or difficulty breathing, requiring urgent medical treatment.
Pain can usually be managed with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If possible, remove the stinger by gently scraping the skin with the edge of a driver’s licence or similar flat object.
If you cannot remove it, do not worry — it will usually work its way out naturally. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain. If the sting site becomes very swollen, red or warm, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help. Mild hydrocortisone cream can also ease itching.
Red flags:
Swollen eyes, widespread rash, wheezing or difficulty breathing require immediate hospital treatment. Children with severe allergies may need an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), which can quickly open the airways while medical help is sought.
Animal or human bite
If a bite breaks the skin, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact your doctor, who may decide that antibiotics are necessary.
Human bites are particularly prone to infection. As the original advice humorously notes, “especially those by politicians and people who are suffering from tabanca”, they are considered more dangerous than many animal bites and should always be assessed promptly by a doctor.
Most animal bites involve dogs protecting their territory, and the risk of rabies is generally very low. A tetanus booster may still be required, particularly for bites involving the face or hands.
Most uncomplicated bites should heal within three to four days.
Red flags:
Seek medical attention if the bite involves the face, hands, feet or genitals, or if the wound is large, jagged or extensive.
Throughout this series, the emphasis has been on common sense and a few basic household items: soap and water, gentle pressure, adhesive bandages, calamine lotion, mild hydrocortisone cream, antihistamine syrup, paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Occasionally, more specialised treatment, such as antibiotics or an EpiPen, may be necessary.
Perhaps the most valuable item when dealing with minor childhood injuries, however, is the one between our ears—good judgement.
