Injuries, skin problems and its remedies for kids

Injuries happen suddenly and if an injury happens to our kids, we scare a lot. 

If we are alone and injury is for the first time we don't understand what to do even if it is minor. So, I thought why not write about the remedies for those injuries to make mommies and daddies aware of it and help them if someday they need to face them?

Even if the injury is major no need to scare at all. Immediately take the kid to the nearest doctor.

 While me(3 years old) and my elder sister(4-year-old) playing on our veranda, there came few people playing music and so I insisted my mother let my younger sister (1-year-old) take it out. She was refusing as my sister was very small but then she agreed to take it only near the gate and not outside. 

My younger sister was holding the gate to see outside and suddenly my elder sister closed the gate unaware of her hand is there. Her right-hand ring finger got a major cut. Hearing the cry, my parents came running and my father saw her upper part (nail portion)had got cut but not fallen from the finger. He holds her hand with a little finger not letting it fall and immediately rushed to the nearest hospital. The finger bone was broken but a little skin was there which hold the upper portion in place. Doctors stitched the part to the finger. she was perfectly fine and can write and do all the work with that finger.

The incident was very scary for my parents but they handled it very nicely. The reason behind sharing the story is to be alert. The situation arises at any time and anywhere. We can't be aware but can be alert. 

 Skin Rash:

Baby skin is very delicate and so, causes rashes very easily.

I prefer using Sebamed rash cream for my daughter. You can use whatever suits your baby's skin.

Clean the rash with a soft cloth and apply the cream with clean hands. Let it absorb in the skin.

 If the rashes do not go even after applying rash cream for a week then consult your doctor. 

Skin Burn:

If the baby gets an injury due to skin burn, put the part(hand, leg or wherever there is skin burn) in cold water for a few minutes. 

Do not touch or rub the part(as it may hurt the baby and also can cause infection).

Apply aloe vera to the injury, it is cool so the baby will get relief. You can also apply the "Kailas Jeevan" ointment. 

When my niece(sister's daughter) had a minor burn injury she contacted her family doctor and so, she prescribed "silverex ionic(silver nitrate gel)".

If the injury is major then immediately take the baby to the hospital or consult the doctor.

Injury after falling:

• Bleeding: It is very much common to get an injury to toddlers and kids as they keep on running and climbing here and there.

If the injury is minor(small cuts) then clean the blood with water, wipe slowly with a soft cloth and apply turmeric powder(I prefer using this for my daughter). Use a bandage after applying turmeric for kids not to touch the wound(as when it pains they keep on touching or even scratching).     

 If the injury is major, clean it with antiseptic wash with cotton(don't wash the wound) to avoid causing infection then, apply turmeric powder and cover it with a bandage. 

Note: Turmeric powder is a natural antiseptic. So, if you don't want to use antiseptic lotion then it's fine. As some lotions may be allergic to kids' skin.

• Bump or bruises: Sometimes after falling kids don't get scratched especially if the surface is plain.   If the injury is bumpy(टेंगूळ) or bruise(मुका मार) then apply a cool compress to the injury. 

When I was a kid and used to get this type of injury, my mother used to apply mango ginger(amba haldi) and Alum(fatki). She used to make a paste of both together by using a stone mortar and applying it to the wound. It heals quickly and also has no side effects.

Chickenpox and measles:

Chickenpox and measles are types of infection caused by the virus(varicella-zoster). 

They are contagious disease and causes small red spots on the skin.

Today vaccines are available to prevent children from chickenpox and measles.

If your kid has got chickenpox or measles before vaccination then consult your doctor. 

When I was a kid there were no vaccines. My mother used to bathe me in neem(Azadirachta indica)water. Neem is cool and prevents infection.

Few more skin problems and remedies in infants. Click here...