Cuts, Scrapes, or Bruises (Skin Injury)

1. Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes:
   
   • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes. (Caution: never soak a wound that might need sutures, because it may become more swollen and difficult to close.)
   • Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth.
   • Cut off any pieces of loose skin using a fine scissors (cleaned with rubbing alcohol).
   • Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin (no prescription needed). Then, cover it with a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
2. Liquid Skin Bandage for Minor Cuts and Scrapes:
   
   • Liquid skin bandage is a new product that seals wounds with a plastic coating that lasts up to 1 week.
   • Liquid skin bandage has several benefits when compared to a regular bandage (e.g., a dressing or a Band-Aid). Liquid Bandage only needs to be applied once to minor cuts and scrapes. It helps stop minor bleeding. It seals the wound and may promote faster healing and lower infection rates. However, it is also more expensive.
   • After the wound is washed and dried, the liquid is applied by spray or with a swab. It dries in less than a minute. It's resistant to bathing.
   • This new product is available at your local pharmacy.
3. Bruises:
   
   • Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the bruise once for 20 minutes to stop the bleeding.
   • After 48 hours apply a warm wet wash cloth for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood.
4. Pain Medicine: Give acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   
   • Bleeding does not stop after using direct pressure to the cut
   • Looks infected (pus, redness, increasing tenderness)
   • Doesn't heal within 10 days
   • Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.