Bruises

“I have no idea what my body feels like when it's not bruised, sore of stiff...” - Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

While researching cuts yesterday, I came across many interesting facts about bruises on FamilyEducation.com. With both cuts and bruises, blood vessels have been damaged and are leaking. But because bruises (and their potential partner, swelling) don't break through the skin, there is a difference in first aid treatment.

First Aid for a Bruise

1. Immediately apply an ice pack to the bruise to reduce swelling. You can make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a cloth or clean towel.


2. Elevate the bruised area so that it is higher than the heart to keep blood from “pooling” in the affected area.


3. Keep the bruise elevated for approximately 15 minutes if the wound is minor. Keep a large bruise elevated for at least an hour. If the bruise is severe or it covers a large portion of the body, seek medical help.


4. If the bruise doesn't appear to be getting any better after 24 hours, see your physician.

Bottom Line

Seek prompt medical help if there is any swelling around the bruise, especially if it occurs at a joint. This can signal danger to nerves, muscles, and bones, all of which require a trained physician's attention.

Heavy internal bleeding is serious and can be fatal. Go to a hospital if you see these symptoms of internal bleeding or shock from blood loss:

• Major swelling at the injury site
• Major or immediate black and blue marks at the wound
• Pale, clammy skin
• Chills
• Cold hands and feet
• Dilated pupils
• Rapid, weak pulse

Scrapes & Cuts

“Only those who get into scrapes with their eyes open can find the safe way out”-Logan Pearsall Smith

When children play or ride bikes, it is inevitable that they will fall and scrape a leg, knee, elbow, etc. Usually the crying will be worse than the actual injury. Most minor cuts and scrapes don't require a trip to the emergency room but proper care at home is essential to avoid infection or other complications. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Stop the bleeding
   If the blood flow is heavy or spurting (indicating a deep cut), see a doctor immediately. If the cut is more than ¼ inch deep, is gaping, has jagged edges, or has fat or muscle sticking out, go to a hospital.
   Minor cuts will stop bleeding own their own within a few minutes. If bleeding continues then apply pressure with a clean cloth for 10-20 minutes. Do not lift the cloth early and peek. This may pull off any scab that is forming. If light bleeding continues after 20 minutes, seek medical assistance.
2. Clean the wound
   Rinse out the wound with clear water. Since soap can irritate raw flesh, apply soap to the skin around the wound but keep it out of the actual wound. If dirt, rocks, grass or other debris remains in the wound after washing, use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to gently remove the particles. DO NOT dig with the tweezers as this may push items deeper into the wound or restart bleeding. If debris remains embedded in the wound after cleaning, see your doctor.
3. Apply an Antibacterial Cream
   Antibiotic ointments like Neosporin and Polysporin help keep the wound moist and prevent infection. Some people are allergic to antibiotics so stop using ointment if a rash appears. First aid books today are split on whether to apply hydrogen peroxide or iodine. These can kill the cells trying to heal the injury and may cause scarring. In my experience, hydrogen peroxide prevents scars from cat scratches. Cat claws are very dirty and a mild infection is guaranteed if the scratch is not thoroughly cleaned.
4. Cover the wound
   Apply a clean bandage to keep the open wound clean and prevent infection or reinjury.
5. Replace the dressing
   Replace the bandage daily or if it gets wet or dirty.
6. Remove the bandage once a scab has formed
   Skin heals best in open air and light. Keep the bandage on only long enough for the body to create a solid scab or seal over the wound so nothing gets inside.
7. Get a tetanus shot
   Doctors recommend a tetanus shot every 10 years. If the wound is deep, a puncture, or caused by a dirty/rusty object and the last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster. Get the booster within 48 hours of the injury.

Bottom Line

The steps above should suffice for minor cuts and scrapes. Continue to check the wound daily for signs of infection, such as redness, increased pain, pus, warmth, or swelling. See a doctor if an infection develops.

With a minor cut, psychology may matter more then physiology. Stay calm and assure your child that all will be well once the wound is clean. Be comforting but please don’t kiss the “boo-boo” or blow on it. This adds germs to the wound.