This is a short overview how to deal with the most common minor ailments. It is advisable that parents, nannies or even older siblings take part in a First Aid Course to learn how to deal with emergencies.
1. Bumps:
- Children easily bump their heads; luckily it’s most often nothing serious, even when the lump is big.
- If child has a visible bump, it’s most important to cool it as quick and long as possible to reduce the swelling.
- Get a cold pack/ice cubes wrapped in kitchen towel as quickly as possible and cool the bump.
- Arnica Globules (homeopathic medication) can be applied as well (2 or 3 Globules directly in the mouth; dissolve quickly).
- If the child shows any symptoms of dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting a doctor’s check up is advisable.
- Unconsciousness, bleeding from nose/ear, loss of orientation/memory can be symptoms for severe injury!
2. Nose bleed:
- The nose and its mucosa can bleed easily; heat, physical exercise, dust, punch on nose and AC can easily lead to nose bleeds.
- There might be strong bleeding, but this is usually harmless and usually stops quickly.
- Pinch the nose with a tissue; child should bend forward to avoid swallowing blood; cold pack/ice cubes can be put on the neck.
- Do not clean the nose inside and tell the child not to blow their nose or pick the nose as this can cause further bleed.
- Further treatment: ointment applied with a cotton bud moisturizes the mucous membrane.
- Re-occurring nose bleed should be checked by an ENT
3. Scald/burn:
- Hold the affected area under cold running water for at least 10 minutes or use cold pack/ice cubes for minor scalds; the faster you cool it the more you can reduce the skin damage!
- Depending on size and location of the scald/burn an emergency treatment/doctor’s check up would be advisable. Shock can occur! Cover the area with sterile dressing or plastic foil. DO NOT touch the burned area!
- Minor burns/scalds can be treated with special crèmes/ointments from the pharmacy.
4. Bleeding cuts and wounds:
- Small cuts and wounds can sometimes bleed a lot, especially injuries to the face.
- Children are often more scared because of the blood and not because of the pain.
- Get a (clean) tissue and press directly onto the wound; lift arms or legs up. Wash the blood away if possible.
- Minor cuts /wounds need to be disinfected with antiseptic solutions and treated with antiseptic creams/ointments; apply plaster or dressing; don’t use water resistant plasters as the wound can’t ‘breathe’ and dry and germs can grow better in a damp environment.
- Major injuries need medical treatment (stitching e.g.).
