Child Injuries

[AnaKhouri]

So, my kid can walk reasonably well, but that's not enough for him. He wants to run, everywhere. Especially on the sidewalk. And since he appears to be right-handed, he is usually carrying a toy in his right hand while he runs down the sidewalk, so that when he falls the second knuckle of his right little finger scrapes the concrete.

This has happened over and over the past few weeks. Every time his poor finger heals, he falls, scraping it open again.

I put hydrogen peroxide on it every time, and try band-aids, but he manages to get them off with astonishing speed. If he can't pull it off, he will put his poor finger in his mouth and suck the band-aid off. Shades of "Ichi the Killer"...

How can I protect his poor finger long enough for it to heal? It was nearly healed up today when he fell removing the scab and some extra skin and getting blood everywhere. Again.

He doesn't seem to care, but I am worried about infection etc. Help me help him!

[ApolloSZ]

I can only offer re-assurance. Sounds like your keeping it clean as best you can, and personally I'm of the view, kids need the scrapes and cuts growing up. I got them when I was little and today, I've got a wicked immune system (seriously, its like a mutant power!) - Sounds like the little one is a tough little rascal anyway

[csquared]

I agree with ApolloSZ. Bumps and bruises come with growing up.

Keep it clean. Don't sweat the band-aids. I like the peroxide. I would avoid the "anti-bacterial" as he needs to develope his immune system.

Then again, I don't have kids. I just remember how I was growing up.

[Seshat]

I don't suppose you can keep gloves on him?

It might be worth trying medical tape. Some of those are much harder to get off than bandaids - talk to one of the pharmacy techs about which might be the most durable on your little one.

Other than that, I'm with everyone else - as long as it doesn't get infected, and he retains full mobility in the finger, it's not a major issue. I doubt you're hoping he'll get a career as a hand model, so long term scarring won't be a problem.

[surreal20]

can you try liquid baindaid? I don't know if it's toxic, i doubt it is. *meaning if he were to eat it*

As for the boo boo itself, just keep it as clean as you can and do what you can. As long as it doesn't get infected, life will go on. Everyone falls down sometimes, and everyone will have scraps all the time. If you do proper clean care to it as best you can, that's about all you CAN do. He'll live, do not fret.

[Mishi]

I've always used Hydrogen Peroxide on my munchkins when they've hurt themselves. Jazzy's now old enough that she washes cuts/scrapes out with soap and water, then hits them up with some peroxide on a cotton bud. I've found that using a comfrey salve, as long as the wound is clean and dry, helps to speed up healing. I always use it an hour or so after cleaning, just because I don't want to risk any interaction (don't know if it's possible or not, but I'd rather not risk it).

[Amina516]

can you try liquid bandaid? I don't know if it's toxic, i doubt it is. *meaning if he were to eat it*

I ditto this.

If you can get it on him, he wont notice thats its even on. Keep cleaning it as usual (but you sound like youre doing a good job already!)

[teh_blumchenkinder]

Hydrogen peroxide, I've noticed, deads the skin around the wound a bit. Neosporin or even Chapstick (original! nothing else!) works amazing, or even liquid vitamin E or aloe vera. It really does heal faster, and I'm thinking he doesn't like plaster-type things-- I certainly didn't and still don't. It's a 'feel' thing, like how when you paint your nails you feel the weight, but after you wake up you don't.
Sounds like he's going to have his first scar! (ding gratz kid)

[fireheart]

Kids will always fall. I'd agree with the liquid bandaid-he won't even notice it's on.

And besides, when he gets older, if he gets scrapes and cuts, he might start using those as badges of pride i.e. "I got THIS one when I fell off the jungle gym!" (not saying that's a good thing, but at least he might be able to put a positive side on his injuries if he's a bit of a klutz)

I know some parents who will go nuts and put knee pads on their babies knees when they're trying to crawl and then helmets on their bubs when they're learning to walk.

[AnaKhouri]

Thanks everyone, he's been lucky since I posted the question and his finger is almost healed now. Yesterday he fell off a chair and started spewing blood from his mouth...doesn't look like any teeth are loose; he probably just bit his lip.

I can't freak out every time he gets hurt; I'd be in a perpetual state of hysteria!

[fireheart]

If you can get a hold of it, Lucas's papaw ointment is amazing for that stuff, helps to relieve the pain and to clean it. I also use it for blisters.