Bumps, Bruises, and Owies

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, July 23 and November 12, 2006

Show 319

Did you know the BAND-AID turns 86 this year? That's a lot of BAND-AIDs, and even more bumps, bruises and scrapes to cover up. A BAND-AID will help protect the wound, but it takes some creativity and a little TLC to cure even the most tearful owies. Try making your very own 'ouch buddy'. He's a softer and cuter alternative to the traditional ice pack. Just pop an ice cube into a terry cloth animal and you have a fuzzy friend who only appears when your child has some lumps or bumps. Ouch buddy will keep your child's mind off the pain. Scratches or scrapes usually involve a little bleeding. And blood can be a scary site for a child. Hide the bleeding by wiping it away with a red washcloth. Make sure to follow up the washing with an antibiotic, and of course a BAND-AID. A moist, covered wound heals faster. Try a BAND-AID with an antibiotic ointment right on the pad. Even if there isn't a scratch to put it on, a BAND-AID with a colorful picture of your child's favorite cartoon character will calm her down. Seal it with a reassuring kiss. And if those owies are cleaned and bandaged and the tears still aren't dry, then it's time to try a very popular form of medicine…laughter. Remind your child that he was having fun before his fall or bump on the head. A good tickle or a silly joke will put him back in the mood to continue playing. Never ignore an injury that won't stop bleeding, or if your child seems woozy or confused. A serious wound should always be looked at by a doctor, but these home remedies will help with those minor mishaps.