DD just scraped her knee on rusty screw on licence plate....

[Bronwen13]

It bled, and I cleaned it with water, didn't have any hydrogen or whatever you're supposed to clean wounds with, and applied Melagel, which is a tea tree medicine.  Anything else I should be doing to it?  I have it lightly covered with gauze right now because she's playing outside....I'm always a freak about cuts/scrapes because my kids are unvaccinated, and tetanus is always a concern of mine.  Any thoughts/words of encouragement greatly appreciated!!!!!

[Rrrrrachel]

Tetanus is mostly a concern with puncture wounds, I think. I wouldn't worry too uh about a scrape.

[mama2j&t]

My 2 unvaxed girls are always getting cuts and scrapes.  I try to clean them with hydrogen peroxide when they happen, but quite often they don't get cleaned until they hit the bathtub at night.  I know the tetanus fear, as I do sometimes start worrying about it too. If there was a thimerisol free tetanus only shot I would consider it. But remember it is so rare and when it does occur it is almost never in healthy children.  Kids get cuts and scrapes all the time (at least mine do).  They are more likely to get hurt doing a million other things than getting tetanus..... :)

[nukuspot]

My unvaxxed DD is constantly also getting scrapes and cuts and insect bites. I understand the worry...But I wouldn't be running to the hospital for TIG for a scratch as it is really not a puncture wound and oxygen can get in, especially if it bled. I find it helps me mentally to always have H202 with me, in the house, in the car, traveling, etc to pour in these million scrapes kids get. DD lives in fear of the bottle. I wish it didn't sting

[nukuspot]

And yes, covering it when she is outside is sensible because then dirt can't get in. I just discovered waterproof bandaids, they have been really helping me not worry on our beach holiday.

[AmiMom]

Something similar happened with my daughter. Took her to my ped since I can actually trust him. Told him I flushed the wound with water because we were at a hotel and didn't have hydrogen peroxide. He told me that was fine and that he doesn't recommend hydrogen peroxide because it can do more harm than good. Freaked me out too, but she was fine :) We selectively vax so she did get a tetanus just because she "needed" it anyway (for pertussis) but Dr. said she didn't need it for the wound.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, don't think you need to worry, especially since it's not a deep wound.

[nukuspot]

Yes H202 kills both bacteria and healthy skin cells so we just use it once when the wound is fresh in the initial clean up then no more afterwards.

[Bronwen13]

Ok, I am FREAKING OUT.  My daughter just came to me and said her neck is sore on both sides.  Her words were, if I turn my head, it feels like it's breaking'.  My husband said when he saw her in bed this morning, her body was all contorted, so she probably just hurt her neck that way.  She hurt her leg 11 days ago.  Should I be taking her to Children's hospital?  Should I wait to see how today goes?  I'm feeling very scared right now!  :(

[Monkeygrrl]

If she was sleeping contorted, then that's probably what the issue is. Some basic stretching exercises, make sure she gets lots of fluids, and rest if needed.

Does her leg look infected or anything? If not, then I wouldn't be concerned.

[Rrrrrachel]

I guess it depends how severe it is. I you try to get her to do some stretches how strongly does she object? I think severe neck pain is always worth at least a call. Sleeping funny can make your neck hurt, but only so bad, you know?

[Bronwen13]

Thanks, everyone.  She seems to be fine . . . says her necks not sore anymore, so it probably just the way she slept on it.  I am monitoring her closely though.  But like I already don't.  LOL

[nukuspot]

That would scare me more about meningitis than tetanus! Usually the first sugn of tetanus are jaw or abdominal spasms. Glad she is OK now. What a fright!

[emmy526]

i have 4 unvaxed kids aged 24-16 never any problems with many many various cuts n scrapes thru out their childhood/early teens....never had an issue with tetanus, nor have i even heard of anyone in our state who has contracted it, and i've been here 15yrs now.