Bumps, Bangs, Ouches

How to treat them: If the injury barely breaks the skin, wash the area with soap and water, pat it dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment (such as Bacitracin or Neosporin) to prevent infection. Cover with a clean bandage, and change the dressing every day. You can skip the iodine  -- an antiseptic solution will only worsen the pain and do little to speed healing.

For deeper wounds, apply direct pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Elevating the injured limb above the heart will help control bleeding. Once bleeding stops, gently rinse the area with water. Never clean deep gashes and cuts with soap or apply an antiseptic: Either can damage healthy tissue.

Call the doctor: If the cut is more than 1/8-inch deep, gaping open, or on the face, neck, hand, or head; if bleeding doesn't stop after five minutes; if you notice signs of infection (redness, pus, swelling, fever) later; or if your child isn't up to date on his tetanus shots (given at 2, 4, and 6 months; 15 to 18 months; and 4 to 6 years).

Bruise

How to treat it: Apply an ice pack, wrapped in a soft dishcloth, to the sore area for about 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling. Arnica cream or gel (available at health-foods stores) may help heal a bruise, but it's toxic if ingested and should be used only on older children who won't lick it off.

Call the doctor: If your child bruises his head and vomits, feels dizzy, complains of a headache, or loses consciousness. Call right away if your child can't move the injured body part.

Sprain

How to treat it: Rub on a methyl salicylate cream (such as Ben Gay) to reduce swelling; then wrap a towel around a bag of ice and leave it on the sore joint for 20-minute periods.

Wrapping the limb in an Ace bandage and keeping it elevated will also help.

Call the doctor: To rule out the possibility of a fracture  -- your child will most likely need x-rays.

Splinter

How to treat it: Soak the area in warm water, and pull out the splinter with sterilized tweezers. If the splinter is still embedded, numb the area with ice, then dislodge it with a sterilized needle. Wash the wound with soapy water, and apply an antibiotic cream.

Call the doctor: If the area looks infected; if your child isn't current on his tetanus shots.

Tip: To sterilize needles and tweezers  -- soak them in rubbing alcohol or boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also hold a lit match to the tips, but be sure to wipe off the carbon.

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