Children fall, get scrapes, and scratch insect bites — minor wounds are a natural part of childhood. Most heal with simple care; however, some become infected with bacteria and require additional treatment. Recognizing the signs of infection is the key to preventing its spread.

Is the Wound Infected? Warning Signs

  • Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain around the wound
  • Yellow-green pus discharge and a foul odor
  • The wound getting larger instead of healing
  • Red streaking spreading into the surrounding skin
  • Fever and swelling in nearby lymph nodes

Impetigo: The Most Common Skin Infection in Children

Impetigo is a highly contagious skin infection that often begins around the nose and the corners of the mouth and forms a honey-colored (yellow) crust. It spreads easily to other parts of the body and to other children through scratching. Treatment involves topical or, when necessary, oral antibiotics; keeping the nails short and practicing hand hygiene prevent its spread.

Proper Wound Care at Home

  1. Wash your hands; gently clean the wound with plenty of clean water
  2. If there is bleeding, stop it by applying pressure with a clean cloth
  3. Apply a thin layer of a suitable ointment and a clean dressing; change the dressing regularly
  4. Do not apply traditional substances such as tincture of iodine, cologne, toothpaste, or ashes — they delay healing and cause irritation
  5. Do not pick off the crust

When Should You See a Doctor?

Always seek care for signs of infection (the list above), deep/large wounds or those caused by dirty or rusty objects, animal or human bites, wounds in the mouth or eye, and if the tetanus vaccination is incomplete. In children with weakened immune systems, even minor infections can progress rapidly.

A Reminder About Tetanus

In deep and dirty injuries, the child's vaccination status should be checked for tetanus risk. Children who are fully vaccinated are largely protected; this is another reason underscoring the importance of following the vaccination schedule.

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Related articles: Heat rash · Atopic dermatitis · Vaccination schedule

This article is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace diagnosis and treatment. For any concerns about your child's health, always consult a specialist in pediatrics.

Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş — Pediatrics Specialist, Gaziantep