Wound Care Tips for Children and Parents | Biodermis.com

Children are always getting injured whether it’s at school on the playground or running around the house after a nap. Wounds that occur during childhood can sometimes leave scars that last for many years. Therefore, parents want to know the best ways to manage their children’s wounds early on so they don’t form into long-lasting scars. In this article, we will go over some important tips and things to look out for so that getting injured doesn’t seem like such a big deal. If your child does attain a wound that leads to a scar, there are safe and effective ways to treat it.

Bring a first aid kit with you on vacation

This is something that many parents don’t think about bringing when taking a family road trip but it may be crucial if someone gets hurt. Some things that a first aid kit should have include the following: antiseptic wipes, bandages, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, soap, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, tweezer, scissors, thermometer, a splint, and anything else that you would like to add.

Know the signs of wound infection

Open wounds can become infected quite easily if they aren’t properly treated and managed. Wounds become infected when germs or other pathogens enter the wound site. Some common signs of wound infection include the following: redness, pain, swollenness, hot to the touch, puss, and feeling sick. If you suspect you child’s wound is infected, gently lather it with soap and rinse it with water. Then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. It’s important to treat infected wounds right away to prevent excess scarring down the road. If the infection doesn’t go away after treating it, consult a doctor.  

Don’t let wounds and scabs dry out

Many people think that keeping wounds dry is the best way to go. However, wounds heal best in a moister environment. Moisture helps the wound pass through the four stages of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation. By keeping a wound moist, you will be helping specialized skin cells such as fibroblasts and collagen rebuild the damaged skin. You can keep your wound moist by applying an ointment and covering it with a bandage.

Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide

For many years, parents have been applying alcohol and other harmful agents to their child’s wounds to prevent infection. These agents can actually burn and damage the skin if too much is applied. Because it is difficult to measure how much alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to apply to the wound, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Soap and water should be enough to clean the wound of any germs and pathogens.

Check sandals and shoes

If your child’s wound is on his or her foot, periodically check it to make sure the shoes or sandals aren’t rubbing against it. The friction can cause damage to the skin and lead to redness and pain. Wrapping the wound in a bandage or medical tape should help protect it against constant motion, but check throughout the day to make sure.

Incorporate a healthy diet

Vacationing sometimes means eating whatever you feel like. However, this might not be the best idea if you are caring for a wound. Consuming a diet high in protein, vitamins A and C, and Zinc can help accelerate the wound healing process.

Silicone gel for scar management

Sometimes, scars are unavoidable no matter how well you manage your wound. Therefore, Biodermis revolutionized the aesthetic industry by bringing medical-grade silicone gel for scars to the market. Topical silicone for scars has been used for over 30 years for scar management and clinical evidence supports its efficacy. Silicone gel works simply and effectively through dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Silicone is hypoallergenic and safe for use with children and pregnant women. You can purchase products through your physician or online at biodermis.com.

Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
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