Skip to main content

SUMMERTIME CUTS AND SCRAPES: 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP PREVENT INFECTION

(BPT) - Summer is a time to get the family back outside to play after a long winter of being stuck inside. Those outdoor adventures - for kids big and small - may also bring a few unexpected injuries. Parents never want to see their kids hurt, but when those minor cuts or scrapes do occur, it's important to know what to do - and what to use - to help prevent infection and get little ones back to their adventures.

"As parents, we want to protect our kids, especially when it comes to treating the minor cuts and scrapes that are an inevitable part of growing up," says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician and healthy child advocate. "Knowing the correct way to treat a minor cut, scrape or burn, and the first aid treatment you should have on hand, can help you feel prepared to face the unpredictable."

Dr. Burgert stresses that parents need to be focused on prevention. "Infection prevention is priority number one in first aid. When your child gets hurt, your first line of defense is a topical antiseptic to protect against germs and help prevent infection," she notes.

Dr. Burgert says infection protection is easy with three simple steps:

Step 1: Clean the affected area

If there is any minor bleeding, get that under control first by applying gentle pressure with a clean tissue or cloth. Next, wash your hands to help prevent the spread of germs, and then gently clean the affected area. Make sure to remove any dirt, gravel or debris that may be stuck in the skin. Once the wound looks clean, you can begin treatment.

Step 2: Help prevent infection with a proper antiseptic, every time

It's important that you select the proper first aid product with the right ingredients; it's not one size fits all! A topical antiseptic like Betadine (which has been used in healthcare clinics and hospitals for decades to help prevent infections) is the first line of defense. After the minor wound is clean, apply Betadine to kill germs and help prevent infection. Its golden-brown color allows you to easily see where it has been applied and that it is working. Your child will be excited to show off their latest "battle wound" and you'll have peace of mind knowing you chose an antiseptic that supports healthy healing.

Step 3: Bandages to the rescue

Not all scrapes will require a bandage. However, if there is open skin of any kind, it's wise to keep it covered to reduce exposure to outside germs. Keep in mind, the psychology of a bandage can have a big impact on kids, so even if it might not be necessary, providing one could help calm nerves.

"Smart parents know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," says Dr. Burgert. "Understanding what to do when your child gets a minor cut, scrape or burn, makes you feel confident that you are taking the steps necessary to help prevent infection. By cleaning the wound, applying an effective antiseptic and covering it with a bandage, you're taking the correct precautions to support healthy healing for your child."

Learn more about tips for caring for your children's minor "battle wounds" at www.betadine.com.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect?  Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or sepa...
Post a Comment
Read more

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

  (Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1  package cream cheese 1/4  tablespoon garlic powder 1  tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2  lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper...
Post a Comment
Read more

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order!  Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement.  With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a...
Post a Comment
Read more