[LEFT SQUARE ROTD]
Fast First Aid for Boo-Boos
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Oww! A scraped knee, a bad bruise, bug bite, splinter or other minor injury can send a child into hysterics. But moms can take quick action to stem the tears and reduce scarring by taking the right measures fast. For the inevitable cuts and scrapes, hold a clean cloth or gauze (not tissue, which can flake off into the wound and cause infection) over the wound and press gently to stanch bleeding. If that doesn't work, then raise the wounded area over the child's heart. If the cut is so deep that the bleeding doesn't stop quickly, then take the child to the emergency room or an urgent care facility. After stopping most of the bleeding, clean the wound with a gentle soap and water. Dry thoroughly, apply antibiotic ointment and keep bandaged until it heals - kids may be tempted to pick at scabs, which may cause scarring. After the wound heals, apply sunscreen to the affected area. Newly healed skin is more susceptible to sunburn and may scar more significantly as a result. For splinters, clean the area around the splinter with soap and water, then clean a pair of tweezers with alcohol.
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