foot and mouth However, if the cut is in an area that moves, such as near a joint or on some parts of the face, it is nearly impossible to keep the edges from gaping unless the wound is stitched. orfLCUt can be treatecL at home, draw the edges of the cut toqether with «dheswe butterfly bandages. HOME CARE First, stop the bleeding. Apply firm pressure directly on the cut for ten minutes (by the clock). Use sterile gauze if it is immediately available. If not, any reasonably clean cloth (for example, a handkerchief, towel, or shirt) will do. Even bleeding from large arteries can be controlled by pressure applied directly on the wound. You rarely need so called pressure points. Do not use a tourniquet to stop bleeding from a cut. The only time a tourniquet is necessary is when a limb has been partially or completely amputated. In such a case, the tourniquet may be placed anywhere above the wound. The current thinking is that once the tourniquet has been put on, it should be left on-not released and tightened as was once suggested. Then immediately rush the person to the nearest medical facility. Second, once the bleeding has stopped, wash the area with soap and water so that the cut is clearly visible. Look at the depth, width, dirtiness, raggedness, and location of the cut to decide if a doctor should treat the wound. If it seems reasonable to care for the cut at home, apply a nonsting ing antiseptic. Draw the edges of the wound together with adhesive butterfly bandages. Then cover the wound with sterile gauze and a bandage to prevent infection. If the cut is near the joint of a finger, splinting the fingers can keep them from moving until the cut has healed. If the cut is between two toes, the area can sometimes be kept from moving by bandaging together those toes. Inspect the wound every day for signs of possible infection. Remove the butterfly bandages after seven to ten days. PRECAUTIONS • If the cut requires stitching, it must be done within eight hours to avoid infection. • If a wound becomes infected (characterized by increased tenderness, swelling, discharge of pus, or red streaks spreading out from the wound), see your doctor. • Be sure that your child receives tetanus boosters at the ages recommended by your doctor. MEDICAL TREATMENT Your doctor has the skill and equipment to handle most cuts that cannot be cared for at home. Your doctor will clean a dirty wound and decide if the wound needs stitching. In some cases, the services of a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon will be required. RELATED TOPICS: Animal bites; Blood poisoning: Immunizations: Puncture wounds: Scrapes: Tetanus guick Reference Cystic fibrosis SYMPTOMS • Frequent respiratory infections • Frequent bronchitis or pneumonia • Chronic cough • Failure to gain weight • Frequent constipation or diarrhea with foulsmelling stools • Protrusion of the rectum • Broadening of fingertips and toes • Salty taste to the skin when kissed HOME CARE • If you suspect cystic fibrosis, see your doctor. infantum