Injuries to the Skin and Mucosa

Injuries to the Skin and Mucosa

Injuries to the Skin and Mucosa

Injuries to the Skin and Mucosa

Children often suffer from skin injuries. Most such injuries are superficial and harmless and after correct cleaning and disinfection can simply be covered in sterile dressing (wound dressing/band-aid). However, serious skin or mucosal injuries may occur through mechanical (abrasions, contused wounds, cuts), thermal (burns, scalds) or chemical (chemical burns) causes, which require professional medical care.

Symptoms are

  • Pain, reddening, swelling, hyperthermia, functional restriction
  • Signs of infection: increasing swelling, pain and reddening, pus, and possibly fever.
  • Bleeding, blistering, ulceration

First Aid Measures

  • Stop exposure to the noxious substance (irritant, corrosive substances and heat)
  • Cleaning and cooling of the affected skin or mucosa body-temperature water
  • Sterile covering / dressing of the concerned area
  • Wound dressing following the principle: wet on wet / dry on dry

Also Note

The injury mechanism for the child may also be dangerous for the first responder. Thus, think of protecting oneself before administering first aid!
If burns with blistering occur in face, genitals, or joints, always consult a medical professional.
Injuries to the mouth and respiratory mucosa can swell rapidly: dial 144 even with low-grade, initial symptoms.
Bite injuries (humans/animals) are a risk factor for infections: visit a medical professional!
Other reasons to consult a physician are: wide open wounds, wounds over joints, movement and/or sensibility disorders, continuous bleeding, highly soiled wounds, infected wounds.
Think of tetanus shots even if there is only a small wound!

 


Advanced subjects

Frostbite

Inhalation trauma

Chemical burn

Burn