Halloween Boo-Boos: Know Where to Go 🩹🎃

Halloween brings costumes, candy, and—every now and then—the occasional boo‑boo. The good news: most mishaps have simple solutions. This guide helps parents in Texas prevent common injuries and know whether urgent care or the emergency room is the right choice.

Urgent Care vs ER: Quick Rule of Thumb

Choose urgent care for non-life-threatening issues like minor cuts (including small stitches), sprains, mild eye irritation, tummy aches, or a suspected simple broken bone. Go to the emergency room for severe bleeding, trouble breathing, severe head injury, major fractures, vision loss, signs of poisoning, or chest pain. ERs triage by severity, not arrival time.

What Urgent Care Can Treat on Halloween

Minor cuts and scrapes (including small stitches)

• Try at home: rinse with clean water, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding, cover with a clean bandage.
• See urgent care if: the cut is deep or gaping, won’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, is on the face, or may need stitches.
• Why urgent care: timely cleaning/closure reduces infection and scarring risk. We can also update tetanus shots when appropriate.

Sprains, strains, and suspected broken bones

• Signs of a sprain: pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement after a twist or misstep on a curb.
• Possible fracture: significant swelling, visible deformity, inability to bear weight, or severe tenderness.
• Urgent care can assess, provide X-rays at many locations, splint, and refer when needed. Go to ER for an open fracture, severe deformity, or severe pain that doesn’t improve with immobilization.

Eye irritation from costume makeup or contacts

• First steps: remove makeup or contacts; rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline for 10–15 minutes; avoid rubbing.
• See urgent care for ongoing redness, pain, discharge, or light sensitivity. Go to ER for vision loss, severe pain, or chemical exposure.

Tummy troubles from too much candy

• Try at home: small sips of water, rest, bland foods when ready.
• See urgent care for persistent vomiting, severe belly pain, fever, blood in vomit/stool, or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, no tears, peeing less).
• Tip: set a candy limit and space treats out to prevent sugar crashes.

Prevention Tips That Actually Work

• Test visibility and mobility: make sure masks and long hems don’t block vision or trip kids.
• Carry a flashlight (not just glow sticks): improves visibility to drivers at dusk.
• Stick to familiar, well-lit routes: sidewalks can be uneven—watch curbs and driveways.
• Check all candy before eating: toss anything unwrapped or suspicious; be mindful of allergens.
• Set candy limits upfront: helps avoid upset stomachs and meltdowns.
• Dress for the weather and choose sturdy shoes: October evenings can be cool and dark; reflective tape helps.

Costs, Insurance, and Convenience

Urgent care is designed for non-emergencies with typically lower costs and shorter waits than the ER. We’re in network with most major insurances—feel free to call with specific questions. Integrity Urgent Care clinics offer evening and weekend hours; check your nearest location for details.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Immediately Call 911 or go to the emergency room for:

• Severe bleeding that won’t stop
• Trouble breathing or severe asthma attack
• Head injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, repeated vomiting, or worsening headache
• Severe allergic reaction (hives with trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips)
• Major fractures or bones visible through the skin
• Severe eye injury or sudden vision loss
• Severe dehydration or lethargy
• Suspected poisoning or ingestion of dangerous items

Equity and Access

• If transportation is a challenge, consider a trusted neighbor, carpool, or ride-share—and keep your phone charged.
• If you prefer language assistance, ask your clinic about options ahead of time.
• In emergencies, prioritize the closest safe option.

FAQs

Q: Should I go to urgent care or the ER for stitches?

A: Integrity Urgent Care can handle many cuts that may need a few stitches, especially on arms, legs, and smaller facial cuts. Go to the ER for deep, heavily bleeding, or jagged facial wounds, or if you can’t stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure.

Q: Can urgent care do X-rays?

A: Integrity Urgent Care clinics offer on-site X-rays for suspected fractures or sprains and can splint and refer as needed.

Q: What should I do if makeup gets in my child’s eyes?

A: Remove the makeup, rinse the eye gently with clean water or saline for 10–15 minutes, and avoid rubbing. If irritation persists, visit urgent care. For vision loss, severe pain, or chemical exposure, go to the ER.

Q: How much candy is too much?

A: There’s no single number, but spacing treats out, offering water, and balancing with regular meals helps. Seek care for persistent vomiting, severe pain, or dehydration signs.

Q: Do urgent care centers treat children?

A: Yes— Integrity urgent care centers see children for non-emergency concerns like minor cuts, sprains, and common illnesses.

Disclaimer This content is intended for informational use only and is not meant to replace or imply any medical advice or opinion of your doctor. Please consult your own physician before making any decisions regarding your or your family’s health. For medical emergencies, call 911.