Safety Tips: Head & Facial Injuries on a Child

A small cut or scratch on the head or face often looks worse than it is because these areas have many blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. Even a minor wound can bleed a lot, which can be alarming. However, an open head injury (one that breaks the skin) is often less serious than a closed head injury, where there is no visible wound, but the brain may have been affected.

• For an open head injury: Stay calm and apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Once the bleeding slows, assess the wound. If it is deep or the bleeding does not stop, contact a doctor or go to the emergency room for stitches
• For a closed head injury: Call your child's pediatrician as a precaution if the impact is more than a minor bump. The doctor will ask if the child lost consciousness. If not, you will likely be advised to apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Some crying from pain and fright is expected, but your child should remain alert and responsive

Monitor your child closely after any head injury. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following:

• A worsening headache that does not go away
• Slurred speech
• Extreme irritability, combativeness or unusual behavior
• Dizziness that persists, unusual clumsiness or difficulty walking
• Trouble staying awake or waking up
• Vomiting
• Unequal pupil size (one pupil larger than the other)
• Blood or clear fluid leaking from the ears or nose
• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)
• Seizures

If your child is under two years old, has a significant developmental delay, or has a pre-existing neurological condition, it may be harder to recognize some symptoms. In these cases, extra caution is needed.

When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and consult your child’s doctor. Quick action can make all the difference in ensuring their safety and well-being.