Cuts
Most children get cuts and scrapes once in a while. These wounds are usually minor and easily looked after. Following these first aid steps will let your child get back to playing. Larger or deeper wounds may need medical care.
How to Treat Cuts and Scrapes
Wash your hands so they are clean before you help your child. Preventing the wound from getting infected is your first priority. Encourage your child to sit or lie down while you prepare to help them.
If the wound is bleeding, take sterile gauze or a clean cloth and press it firmly on the wound until the bleeding stops. Hold the area gently under cool running water or rub it gently with a clean cloth. Do not use hot water. You can also use bottled water or a saline wound spray to clean the wound. Do not use alcohol, iodine, Mercurochrome, hydrogen peroxide or similar agents to clean the wound. They will cause pain and irritation and will not clean the wound any better than clean water. If the wound is not too deep but has some dirt or grit, clean a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or boiling water and use them to pick out debris.