There is no question summer is a great time for kids of all ages. School is out. Pools are open. Ballparks are packed. But with that frenzy of summer activity—much of it outdoors—comes the increased risk of injury.
While injury prevention should be the priority through the use of safety gear and proper supervision of children during their activities, some summertime accidents and injuries are tough to avoid. When those mishaps occur, Riley Hospital for Children offers the following useful information to help guide you in caring for the often painful results safely at home.
BLISTERS
- Clean the area and cover it with a clean, dry bandage.
- Do not puncture or drain the blister.
- Seek medical attention if the area becomes infected.
CUTS AND SCRAPES
- Clean the wound with water.
- Press clean cloth directly on the wound.
- If possible, raise the wounded area above the level of the heart to lessen the blood flow.
- Once the bleeding is controlled, bandage firmly but not tightly.
- Seek medical attention if bleeding cannot be controlled, the wound is large or blood spurts from the wound.
- If your child suffers from a scrape, clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the area and cover with a clean, dry bandage.
SPRAINS
- Rest the joint by using it as little as possible. Raise the injured limb to reduce swelling.
- Apply ice or cold compresses to the injury.
- Use an elastic bandage applied firmly but not tightly to provide support.
- If swelling and pain persist, call your doctor or go to the hospital emergency room.
SUNBURN
- Apply cold compresses to the burned area.
- Moisturize the skin with petroleum jelly or baby oil.
- Seek medical attention for persistent pain, excessive blistering or drainage from blisters.
- Do not break blisters or peel skin. That only promotes the danger of infection.
- The best protection is prevention. Use sunscreen.
EYE INJURIES
- To remove any foreign object, have the child blink rapidly to cause tears to flood the eye naturally.
- If the object still is stuck in the eye, flood the eye with clear water. Pull the upper eyelid out using the thumb and forefinger. Have the child look down to expose the surface of the eyeball. Have the water drain away from the eye.
- If treatment is not successful, seek medical help.
STINGS AND BITES
- Remove the stinger by scraping your fingernail over the area.
- Apply cold water and wet cloths to relieve pain and itching.
- If the child has a reaction to the bite or sting such as vomiting, extreme swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, rash or hives, seek medical attention immediately.
- For animal bites: Flood the area with soap and water for 15 minutes. Get medical help immediately. Try to identify the animal so it may be tested for rabies if necessary.
TEETH
Broken tooth:
- Gently clean the injured area with warm water to remove dirt and debris.
- Place cold compresses on the face in the area of the injured tooth to prevent or reduce swelling.
- See your dentist immediately Knocked-out tooth:
- If the tooth is dirty, clean it under running water. Do not scrub the tooth.
- Gently insert the tooth in its socket. If this is not possible, put the tooth in a container of cool water or milk and go to the dentist immediately (within 30 minutes if possible). Don’t forget to bring the tooth.
[Keywords: first aid]
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