(7380) *Minor Cuts and Grazes 2024
Cuts and grazes are a common type of injury in children and in most cases do not pose a threat to health.
Most are minor, and cleaning them thoroughly and covering them with a plaster or dressing is all that’s needed.
First Aid for Cuts and Grazes
If the cut or graze is bleeding heavily or is on a particularly delicate area of the child’s body, like the palm of the hand, you should stop the bleeding before applying any kind of dressing.
- Put on protective gloves, if available
- Clean the wound under running tap water. If this is not available, use saline or saline wipes from your first aid kit
- Do not use antiseptic because it may damage the tissue and slow down healing
- Apply a sterile adhesive dressing, such as a plaster
NOTE: The wound should heal by itself in a few days. Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as necessary.
When to seek medical help:
The child should go to their GP if the cut becomes infected.
You can also visit the local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit for medical assistance.
NOTE: An infected wound can usually be successfully treated with a short course of antibiotics.
Signs of infection include:
- Swelling of the affected area
- Pus forming in the affected area
- Redness spreading from the cut or graze
- Feeling generally unwell
- A high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
- Swollen glands