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:
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Children have much larger heads compared to the rest of their bodies than adults do.
This creates a larger target when falls happen.
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Children's center of balance is not fully adjusted yet. This is due to their rapid
growth. And the bowed position of the spine.
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Children's feet are often toed-in. This causes them to trip and fall when walking
and running.
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Children like to move fast and often run rather than walk. This happens even before
they are able to run confidently.
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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. And know some basic first-aid methods. This can help your child
overcome both the fear and the trauma of their injuries.