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Superficial Injuries of the Face and Head- Overview

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 to 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 and 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. And know some basic first-aid methods. This can help your child overcome both the fear and the trauma of their injuries.

Reviewed Date: 03-01-2023

Superficial Injuries of the Face and Head- Overview
Emergency Medicine
Dr. Michelle Arzubi-Hughes
Dr. Omar Blanco
Dr. James Burhop
Dr. Daniel Carr
Dr. Joel Clingenpeel
Dr. Margaret Eason
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Dr. Kristin Herbert
Dr. Andrea Hornbuckle
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Dr. Alexandra Leader
Dr. Paul Mullan
Dr. Kelli Petronis
Dr. Michael Poirier
Dr. Nicole Schacherer
Dr. James Schmidt
Dr. Kim Schock
Dr. Sara Smith
Dr. Bryan Upham
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Insect Bites and Children
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Lacerations with Stitches and Adhesive Strips
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Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds
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Osteosarcoma (Osteogenic Sarcoma) in Children
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Small Cuts and Scrapes
Sports Safety for Children
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Thalassemia
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.