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Caring for Common Skin Injuries
First Aid for Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises
By Charlene Torkelson
If you have kids, you're going to have your share of scrapes, cuts and bruises – minor injuries. They simply come with children. What's a parent to do? When is it time to see your physician for medical attention? First, stay calm. Then take the advice of someone who knows cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Meadowbrook school nurse, Suzanna Bertelson, knows all about cuts and bruises. She deals with them on a daily basis. "The best treatment for abrasions (cuts and scrapes) is soap and water," Bertelson says. "The soap and water removes the surface dirt and any contaminates." The next step is putting on a simple bandage to keep out bacteria.
According to Bertelson, antibiotic creams and ointments are not necessary. "Allowing your own body's antibodies to work is the best solution," she says. She admits that they are coming up with all kinds of fun and interesting products you certainly may use, but they are really unnecessary. Soap and water is No. 1.
The AAFP Family Health Facts brochure echoes Bertelson's soap and water remedy. It recommends cleaning with cool water and avoiding irritation to the cut or scrape by keeping soap out of the wound. The brochure suggests using a tweezers to remove any dirt. It also suggests keeping large scrapes moist and clean to avoid scarring. If possible, the brochure recommends keeping a wound uncovered to speed drying and healing. However, if the area might get dirty or rub against clothing, it recommends a bandage cover.