Written by Lisa Burling

If you’ve got active kids, you’ll know scraped knees, grazed elbows, and mystery blisters are part and parcel of an outdoor lifestyle. As a mum of two energetic boys (11 and 14), I thought I had wound care sorted: slap on a band-aid, dab on some antiseptic cream, and send them back out to play.

Turns out, I’d been doing it wrong.

Better Wound Care for Kids: What Every Parent Should Know

A new survey commissioned by Smith + Nephew (data on file) and conducted by Decibel Research has revealed that 62% of Australians still believe minor wounds heal faster if left to “air out” and scab over. Guilty! It's one of those old wives tales that gets passed down through the generations. 

But here’s the truth: drying wounds actually slows healing down. Most of us are still sticking to old-school methods- i.e basic band-aids (67%), antiseptic creams (43%) - while only 11% are using advanced wound dressings. Even more worrying? Around 12% skip wound care altogether. Yikes! 

Expert Advice on Moist Wound Healing

Pharmacist Karen Carter, who specialises in wound care, explains:

“Leaving wounds uncovered can delay recovery. The best approach is moist wound healing - keeping the wound protected and hydrated. This reduces pain, lowers infection risk, and helps wounds heal faster.”

Why Changing Dressings Too Often Slows Healing

And here’s another myth we probably got told by mum and dad: changing plasters every day can actually set healing back. Every time you swap a dressing, the wound cools and dries, which slows things down. Advanced wound dressings stay put longer, protect better, and make life easier for parents of wriggly, energetic kids.

Benefits of Advanced Wound Dressings for Kids

• Stay on longer (fewer changes = less stress).
• Waterproof (perfect for beach trips and pool days).
• More comfortable for kids.
• Faster, cleaner healing.

Honestly, upgrading our family's first aid kit has been a game-changer. With school holidays around the corner, when bumps and scrapes are pretty much guaranteed, I’m feeling much more prepared. Tell Grandma and Grandad, too!

First Aid Tips for Parents

• Stock your first aid kit with advanced wound dressings.
• Don’t be tempted to let cuts “air out.”
• Minimise dressing changes to support faster recovery.
• Keep waterproof options handy for summer and swimming.

The Main Takeaway for Families

Kids will always find new ways to collect battle scars, but how we treat them makes a big difference. Outdated wound care myths? Yeah, it's time to ditch them. Advanced dressings and moist wound healing are the way forward - you'll have fewer tears, faster recovery, and more time for kids to get back to being kids.

Trust me, your future self (and your first aid kit) will thank you.

Quick Wound Care Checklist for Parents

Keeping kids’ cuts, scrapes, and grazes under control doesn’t have to be stressful.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide you through best practice wound care at home:

• Gently clean minor cuts and grazes with water. Skip harsh scrubbing or strong chemicals - plain water is usually enough. (Parents often ask: “Should I use antiseptic cream?” The truth is, a clean wound and the right dressing usually do the job.)
• Use an advanced wound dressing. These keep the wound moist and protected, creating the ideal environment for faster healing.
• Avoid changing the dressing too often. Every time you remove it, the wound cools down and dries out, which slows recovery. Follow the instructions - many advanced dressings can stay on for several days.
• Choose waterproof dressings for active kids. Perfect for swimming, sports, or school holiday adventures.
• Keep different sizes handy. Blisters, grazes, and small cuts all heal better with the right fit.
• Watch for signs of infection. Redness, swelling, or pus means it’s time to see a doctor.
• Teach your kids about wound care. Help them understand why wounds should stay covered and clean - it encourages independence and instils good future habits.

For more information on advanced wound dressings and why they're so important, visit Smith Nephew.

More Helpful Advice for Parents

How to Keep Your Baby's Routine When Daylight Saving Ends
Smart QR Child Safety ID Tags: The Game-Changing Product Saving Kids' Lives
Camping with Kids Under 5: Your Survival Guide

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