Common Toddler Facial Injuries: When To Visit A Doctor

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When kids are growing, they often run in a carefree manner here and there, exploring new things. And in this rush and playtime, they get prone to getting hurt. However, accidental injuries are becoming the most common reason for deaths among children of 1 year and above.

It is really difficult to child-proof your entire home. However, you can reduce the chances of injuries by making certain changes in the home and keeping great supervision.

Once you know what changes to make, just waste a second and do the needful to keep your children safe and secure at home. But even after you take many preventive measures, kids still get hurt. And sometimes, these injuries may get severe or lead to death. Here are some common facial injuries among toddlers that may happen.

Eye Injuries

Toddlers don’t know how sharp objects can harm them, especially their eyes. Eyes are very sensitive and can get hurt even with small forceful gestures. Kids, of course, are unaware of this, and they unknowingly may hurt their eyes.

Even harsh scratching and rubbing may lead to a situation called a corneal abrasion. It is caused by something scratching or rubbing the surface of the eye. Several eye injuries are highly severe and lead to loss of vision. So, you have to be watchful if you have toddlers at home. 

When to Visit A Doctor

If any of the following occurs, immediately see a doctor.

• Drainage from the eye
• Decreased vision
• Pain or redness gets worse
• Light sensitivity
• If the child still feels if there’s something inside the eye
• If the eye is not opening

Accidental Falls

The moment kids start to learn to walk or in the initial stage of walking, kids do fall a lot. Falling is another common cause of injuries among kids, specifically toddlers. They run without thinking that they might bang on something or somebody.

In fact, while playing on beds, playgrounds, tables, and chairs, they can fall from anywhere because they can not judge the risk involved in falling. They may fall from anywhere because when they are fully involved in playing and having fun, they don’t care for anything, yes! Even injuries.

When to See a Doctor

If you find something is getting more severe.

• When the kid is not responding at all
• Significant and severe crankiness
• Vomiting
• Mumbled speech
• Difficulty in the walk

Mouth and Tooth Injuries

Toddlers have the habit of putting everything directly in their mouths. Also, when they are still learning to coordinate their movements with their bodies, they tend to fall a lot, which may cause mouth or teeth injuries. Or if they try to eat something really hard (any wooden toy or something similar), they might cut their mouth or injure their tooth.

If the primary tooth (also known as the baby tooth) comes out, there is nothing to worry about. However, taking a professional’s advice is a good option.

When to Consult a Doctor

You should know how to manage some minor injuries at home. Learn first-aid tips and tricks. But directly visit a doctor if you see;

• If the teeth have got disoriented
• If the cut is too deep
• The blooding is not stopping
• Swelling around the area

Burns and Scalds

It is one of the most dangerous and common reasons for injuries. Hot drinks are required to be handled with care, even for yourself. Imagine how badly it hurts when you accidentally fall on a hot drink on any part of your body. You can shout, cry, and show your pain area.

But it is not the same with kids; of course, they are more sensitive than adults. Moreover, they fail to express their pain areas properly. That’s why keeping hot drinks and hot objects out of their reach. Or you can teach kids how to handle hot objects without getting hurt.

When to Visit a Doctor

Kids can also get burns from open fires, cookers, irons, hair straighteners, cigarettes, matchboxes, lighters, and other hot surfaces. But you need to see a doctor if the situation has gone beyond the limit.

• If the burn is too severe
• The area has a high burning sensation even after applying the basic ointment
• If the child is in shock

So, these are some common injuries your child may face. Thus, you should know when it is required to see a doctor.

Happy parenting!

Wrap Up

So, there you have it! Children under the age of five years are at high risk of getting hurt while playing, running, and doing other activities at home. Many injuries and deaths taking place at home are avoidable. All you have to do is identify and understand the potentially risky areas and types of equipment present at home and manage them accordingly.