Collaborative Post
Every child loves to play and explore outside. However, the outside world can be a dangerous place. We often ignore the risk of infection in modern society because we tend to associate infection with impoverished countries and communities. In reality, an infection can develop in any environment where the presence of bacteria isn’t remediated. In other words, as a parent, you want to make sure you understand the basic gestures to prevent exposure to harmful bacteria.
Disinfect the wounds
The thing about bacteria is that they’re invisible. A wound might appear clean, but that doesn’t mean there is no risk of bacterial growth. Even a small cut can turn septic without the appropriate wound care. While it can sound dramatic, we’ve all learned from our favourite medical shows that sometimes the body can react unexpectedly. An episode of Dr House with High Laurie comes to mind about an unexpected wound infection situation. A young woman was brought to the attention of the team originally for a symptom called aboulia, aka the inability to make a decision. Yet, as the case develops, we discover that the woman’s body was trying to fight a bacterial infection that started initially with a small scratch caused by our bra hook. In short, never leave a wound unclean, however small it is.
Always dress open wounds
As tempting as it can be to let a wound breathe, doctors recommend dressing wounds that could be infected. A simple plaster can go a long way in keeping bacteria at bay. Small cuts, burns, or even blisters should ideally be dressed appropriately to prevent any risk. For instance, plasters are great for small grazes, yet you want hydrocolloid dressings, which appear like a small gel pad promoting healing for blisters.
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
Introduce hygiene rules
The risks don’t disappear when you put a plaster on a cut. You also have to encourage your child to stick to a bacteria-fighting routine. Thankfully, if there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, soap can get rid of unwanted germs. Most children are now used to washing their hands regularly and keeping up with the bathroom routine! But, perhaps a fun-looking soap can make sure they don’t forget!
Don’t rub your eyes
Eyes are the perfect terrain for bacteria. They are moist and can encourage spread. It’s no wonder that eye infections such as conjunctivitis are so frequent! When children play outside, you can’t stop them from gathering dust or small particles on their fingers. Even if they’re careful not to touch anything, hands can still capture floating particles. So, it’s important to remind our little ones not to rub their hands as they could deposit bacteria and dirt.
Don’t touch it
How often do you find yourself telling your kids not to touch things? But you can’t stop children from exploring their surroundings. They will handle things that we’d rather they didn’t. However, you can introduce a strict rule of never touching wounds with their fingers. Ultimately, bacteria can’t cross the skin barrier; they only enter the system through the bloodstream. So let’s keep the dirt away from the wounds!
Are you ready for a summer of outdoors adventures? After a year of pandemic stress weakening the immune system, you want to make sure your little ones are safe from infection risks. Besides, it’s never too early to teach them good habits!