When four-year-old Samantha came home from the playground with a scraped knee, her mom Sandy barely thought twice before washing it off with soap and water. It was a different story when a few days later her daughter ‘s cut became red and inflamed. Would you know how to recognize these and other signs of infection, and how to prevent and treat them?

Like Sandy, most Canadian parents say that infection is their number one concern.
According to a recent survey released by wound care expert Polysporin, more than 90 per cent of parents know infection can start from a minor cut or burn. But when it comes to actually preventing infection, are they as knowledgeable?

With summer in full swing and back-to-school just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for parents to brush up on first aid skills to ensure that kids’ minor scrapes and cuts don’t become a major problem.

The Good.
Almost every parent across the country realizes infection can start in even the smallest of cuts. Parents in Atlantic Canada snag first place as being the most aware at an unbelievable 100 percent, whereas British Columbian caretakers are least swayed at 86 per cent.

The Bad.
We know infection can happen – so what’s the best way to treat it? A whopping 85 per cent of Canadian parents believe soap and water are effective at protecting their child’s cuts and scrapes from infection. Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents rank highest (92%), followed by Albertans (91%), Atlantic Canada (89%), and Quebec (80%). And soap and water is one area that men (83%) and women (86%) are in agreement.

But is soap and water really enough?

According to Dr. Iris Greenwald, a family doctor and mom, the answer is no. “Soap and water are an essential part of proper wound care as they cleanse the area – often removing dirt and debris - but these elements alone don’t always protect against infection-causing bacteria,” says Dr. Greenwald.

“I recommend a simple three-step infection prevention strategy,” says Dr. Greenwald. “First, parents should remove any dirt and debris from the wound by washing with soap and water. Then, apply an antibiotic ointment like Polysporin and reapply three times daily until it heals. Finally, put on a bandage if necessary. And to help make the healing process easier for your kids, Polysporin’s new clear Pain & Itch lotion offers soothing pain relief from insect bites, minor cuts and scrapes and skin irritations.”

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Infection Protection Guide

According to Dr. Greenwald, general practitioner and mother of two, some of the key signs of infection are:
• Redness
• Any discharge (pus/greenish fluid) draining from scrape
• Signs of pain or tenderness

Other symptoms:
• Swelling
• Fever of 37.8°C or higher
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or groin
• Warmth around the wound
• Red streaks extending from the infected area