Essential Pediatric Care: Addressing Common Injuries and Concerns

I am injured..?

Hello Dr.
Lin, I would like to ask you a few questions:
1.
My daughter is currently over nine months old.
A few days ago, while playing with her toys, she accidentally scratched her cheek with a sharp edge of a toy.
A red scratch appeared immediately on her cheek, and from what I observed, only a small amount of blood oozed from the scratch, indicating that it likely only affected the epidermis.
I immediately applied "Little Nurse - Meso-Relief Cream" to her injury, and it has improved significantly.
Doctor, is it safe to apply this ointment on the wounds of infants at this stage? Is there any major concern? Can this ointment also be used for mosquito bites?
2.
Yesterday, while bathing my daughter (she now sits in the tub for me to wash her), she accidentally tipped over.
It was only for a second, but I heard her gasp and take a sip of water due to the shock.
I quickly helped her back up, and she coughed several times.
Doctor, is there any concern regarding this? Could there be any long-term effects?
3.
Recently, some elders have suggested adding a spoonful of a gastrointestinal care powder (which also supplements calcium), such as "Biaofeiming" and other products, to her milk to enhance her gastrointestinal resistance.
Doctor, does this actually provide the benefits as claimed by the elders? Is it necessary to add it? If added, could it pose any long-term burden on her body? Is it okay to add it or not add it at all?

Xiao Fen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/07

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Xiaofen,
This is Dr.
Lin Huizhen, the Director of the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.
1.
Yes, it is possible.
2.
Generally, there will be no significant fever or cough afterward, and there will be no sequelae.
3.
Typically, if children consume more than 150-180cc of milk and have an adequate intake of supplementary foods, their nutritional needs are generally met, and there is no significant need for additional calcium supplementation.
The impact of dietary supplements on gastrointestinal function and resistance varies from person to person; however, it generally does not have adverse effects or provide significant benefits, so it can be included or omitted as desired.
Wishing you good health and all the best from the Pediatrics Department at Tainan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2005/08/07

More Info

When it comes to pediatric care, especially regarding common injuries and concerns, it is essential to approach each situation with caution and informed judgment. Here are detailed responses to your questions based on the scenarios you've described.

1. Treatment of Minor Cuts and Scrapes: For your nine-month-old daughter who sustained a minor cut from a toy, it is generally safe to apply topical ointments like "小護士-面速力達母" (Little Nurse - Mederma) to superficial wounds. These types of ointments can help promote healing and reduce scarring. However, it is crucial to ensure that the wound is clean before application. If the cut is superficial and only slightly oozing blood, it should heal without complications. In the case of insect bites, topical treatments can also be applied, but it’s advisable to use products specifically formulated for infants to avoid any potential allergic reactions or irritation.

2. Concerns After a Bath Incident: Regarding the incident where your daughter fell and inhaled a small amount of water, it is understandable to be concerned. Generally, if she did not exhibit any immediate distress beyond coughing and was able to breathe normally afterward, the risk of serious complications is low. Children often cough to clear their airways, and as long as she does not show signs of persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, there should be no long-term effects. However, it is essential to monitor her for any unusual symptoms in the following days, such as fever or changes in behavior, which could indicate a respiratory infection.

3. Adding Supplements to Milk: The suggestion to add a gastrointestinal supplement to your daughter's milk is common among caregivers. While some products claim to enhance digestive health and provide additional nutrients like calcium, it is important to consider the overall diet of your child. At nine months, infants typically receive adequate nutrition from breast milk or formula, along with solid foods. If you choose to add a supplement, ensure it is age-appropriate and consult with your pediatrician to confirm that it won’t interfere with her nutritional intake. Long-term use of supplements should be monitored to prevent any potential overload of certain nutrients, which can lead to health issues.

In summary, for minor injuries, proper wound care is crucial, and topical ointments can be beneficial. After incidents involving potential inhalation of water, close monitoring is essential, but immediate distress is often a good sign. Lastly, while supplements can be helpful, they should be used judiciously and under medical advice to ensure they contribute positively to your child's health without causing any adverse effects. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized advice tailored to your child's specific needs.

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