Superficial Injuries of the Face and Head: Overview

During a child's day, minor injuries may happen during play and sports activities. The face and head are especially at risk for cuts and scrapes. This is because:

• Children have much larger heads compared with the rest of their bodies than adults do. This creates a larger target when falls happen.

• Children's center of balance is not fully adjusted yet. This is due to their rapid growth and the bowed position of the spine.

• Children's feet are often toed-in. This causes them to trip and fall when walking and running.

• Children like to move fast. They often run rather than walk. This happens even before they are able to run confidently.

• Children don't think about consequences for their actions. They may act impulsively and create unsafe conditions. These include running with a pencil in their mouth or with scissors in their hands.

You can be careful in your home. And you can take safety steps. But when your child is active indoors or outdoors, minor injuries to the face and head do happen.

Try to stay calm. Know some basic first-aid methods. This can help your child overcome both the fear and the trauma of their injuries.