Wound care

Wound Care

When it comes to wound care, patients and parents have an important role to play after leaving your office. Help them avoid complications with these simple follow-up instructions.

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BAND‑AID®  

Parent counseling tips

Simple steps for proper wound care at home

For better healing:

  • Keep the wound covered: Help the wound heal by protecting it from dirt and other irritants
  • Change the bandage: Change the bandage whenever it gets dirty, wet, or damaged in any way
  • Keep an eye out: Look for signs of infection or allergic reactions

Symptoms of infection: Check for redness, swelling, or increasing pain around the wound

Signs of allergic reactions: If your child is allergic to an adhesive bandage, the area can develop itchiness, redness, or rash

  • Ways to avoid allergic reactions: In most cases, the allergic reaction will go away after taking off the bandage. Other options include keeping the area moisturized, applying an anti-itch cream, taking an antihistamine like BENADRYL®, or using gauze and tape instead.

When to seek help: Call your doctor if your child develops a fever, if they’re feeling unwell, or if red streaks or discharge is coming from the wound

Good to know

Skater safety

Skateboarding is growing in popularity among young people—which means skateboard-related injuries are also on the rise. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests these tips for safe skateboarding1:

Technique: One-third of skateboard injuries happen in the first week of learning the sport. Look for a class that teaches new skateboarders the basics, including how to fall safely.

Equipment: Always wear:

  • Helmets that fit properly and are certified for safety. More than 10,000 skaters suffer from head or face injuries yearly.
  • Elbow pads, which can reduce injuries by 80%.
  • Knee pads, which can reduce injuries by 30%.
  • Wrist guards, which can reduce injuries by almost 90%.

Environment: Most young skateboarders are injured on public roads or sidewalks and in parking lots. Consider skating in a skate park, and be sure to follow posted rules.

Find more information from the AAP on skater safety here.

Featured resources

First Aid Basics

First Aid Basics

Tips on how to treat minor wounds, plus advice on when to call a doctor.

See tips
Understanding Bandaging

Understanding Bandaging

Step-by-step explanation on how to properly bandage a wound.

Read more
Sport Injuries handout

Sports Injuries

Educate parents on how they can help their children avoid sports-related injuries.

Download Handout

Discover more wound care resources in the Resource Suite

REFERENCE: 1. Skateboarding and in-line skating (care of the young athlete).Pediatric Patient Education. 2021.