Educating in prevention

Different types of domestic accidents may occur with children. Do you know which are the most common ones? Dr. Veronica Morales Loulo, plastic surgeon of the British Hospital, revealed that the most frequent accidents can be prevented, no matter if they happen at home, kindergarten or at school. In her condition of plastic surgeon, this professional many times sees children who come with wounds that will leave a scar for life. Her experience shows that each day thousands of cases are treated in hospitals or polyclinics because of domestic accidents that can result in serious consequences. Burns, cut wounds or fingers’ wounds, are incidents that may be the result of misfortune, however, most of them can be prevented by taking simple precautions. Fingers The wounds on the tip of the fingers are often caused in homes and cars by doors, drawers and blunt and heavy objects. These accidents can go from a simple trauma to a fracture or an amputation. Dr. Morales explains that such accidents can be prevented by placing doors ´guard, hinges and by watching the handling of gates or heavy objects. Burns Burns commonly occur in children under five years and are caused by boiling liquids, fire, electrical appliances and sun. Dr. Morales suggests that the first thing to do in case of burn is to remove clothing from the affected area, cool rapidly with cold water and see a pediatrician. It is important not to let the heat in the area, apply tooth paste or place the affected area in decline. Facial injuries The face is the person first impression throughout life and can be injured in many ways: puncture wounds, cuts, falls or bites from pets. In any of these events, the surgeon advises to calm the child, stop the bleeding, wash gently, apply an antibiotic cream and reduce inflammation by cooling the area. Meanwhile, in case the blood won’t stop, if the size and depth are large or if wounds are in eyelids, lips, ears or were caused by pets, the person should see an emergency physician in order to clean and suture the wound properly.