Read the following passage from a health education booklet.
Treatment of Common Minor Injuries
Cuts
Bleeding can usually be stopped by applying pressure to the cut for 2 or 3 minutes. The cut can then be carefully inspected. If it has bled freely, any germs will normally have been washed away by the blood.
Apply a plaster dressing firmly, bringing the edges of the cut together so that it knits quickly. Keep dry for 1 to 3 days.
If the cut is deep and the edges cannot be pulled together with a dressing, consult the doctor or practice nurse. A tetanus injection may be needed.
Grazes
Dirt will often enter a graze caused by falling on a hard or rough surface. It must be cleaned out carefully.
After cleaning, leave the graze uncovered. Exposure to the air will cause a scab to form. This will gradually dry and fall off. It is not a good idea to apply a dressing. This may stick to the graze or make it infected.
Bruises
Bruises are very common in children. They normally get better in 7 to 10 days. Parents sometimes worry that a bone may be broken. Children's bones are rubbery and rarely break, but if in doubt consult the doctor.
If a child gets up at once after a fall and moves about normally, it is unlikely that a bone has been broken. But the child may be stiff the next day because of the bruising which has occurred.
Severe bruising can be treated by rest for 24 to 48 hours. In the case of a badly bruised leg, the limb should be raised. Lying in bed is the easiest way to do this.
A cold compress may ease a bad bruise if applied at once. This is made by soaking some material in water and applying it to the bruise.
Bruises on the head may cause anxiety. If the patient was not "knocked out" and can remember the accident, it is unlikely that serious injury has resulted.
But if the patient was knocked unconscious and cannot remember what happened, he or she should be taken to a hospital Casualty Department.
Insect Bites
These are common in the summer. They look like spots about 5mm across. They are very itchy and usually appear on exposed parts, e.g. arms and legs.
The itching can be relieved by calamine lotion.
Burns and Scalds
Minor burns and scalds cause redness of the skin. Immediate treatment by pouring cold water over a burn is often helpful. If burns cause severe blistering or break the skin, the doctor should be consulted.
Sunburn should, if possible, be prevented by avoiding long exposure and covering exposed areas adequately. It may be treated by calamine lotion and soluble aspirin to relieve the pain.