Cuts and scrapes are the war wounds of the playground. Many can be easily treated at home as long as they’re cleaned and kept covered to protect against infection and further injury.
In many instances you can stop the bleeding with direct pressure on the wound, clean with cool water and cover with antiseptic cream and a band aid or gauze bandage.
Our doctors find many make the mistake of cleaning cuts with hydrogen peroxide or similar which can damage the tissue and slow the healing process.
Instead, use cool water and mild dishwashing soap to clean the wound. You should call a doctor if you think the cut requires stitches or if it’s been a while since the patient’s last tetanus injection.
Stiches may be required:
- When wounds are more than 6 millimetres deep. If you can see the subcutaneous tissue – the yellowish fatty tissue – the wound is deep enough to get stitches.
- If the wound is very wide, it may be gaping and difficult to close. Stitches may be required to pinch larger wounds closed, giving them time to heal properly.
- Wounds in places that stretch and move a lot, such as on the leg, are more likely to require stitches. Stitches also reduce scarring so if the wound is in a very visible place, such as on the face, you may like to get stitches to help it heal with minimal scarring.
Does the patient need a tetanus booster?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection which affects the brain and nervous system. The bacteria which cause tetanus exist almost everywhere and this becomes a problem when they enter the bloodstream, for example when someone steps on a rusted nail.
National Home Doctor Service recommends a booster tetanus shot if the patient hasn’t had one in the last five years or if the wound is particularly deep or dirty. It’s best to get the booster shot as soon as possible after the injury occurs.
How can we help?
National Home Doctor Service is a bulk-billing, after hours, doctor home visiting service. If you are concerned about your child’s cut or scrape and how it is healing, we are available for home visits from 6pm weeknights, 12 noon on Saturdays, all day Sundays and public holidays.
Our doctors carry complimentary starter packs of many commonly prescribed medications for fevers and infections, so patients can start treatment right away. We also provide a report of each visit to your GP within 24 hours after treatment to ensure follow up and continuity of care.
