First Aid for Home
First Aid for Home
BY NATIONAL PHARMACIES PHARMACIST, SAMANTHA FRANGOS.
Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time resulting in a cut, graze, burn, fracture or sometimes even a broken bone. Below are some handy hints for what to have ready at home just in case an incident occurs.
Cuts & Grazes
A cut or a graze is a small tear in the skin lining resulting in either a rash or bleeding1. This impairs the skin lining so, it is important to clean the wound and surrounding skin to prevent an infection1. Saline is perfect for removing any debris for most wounds, then once cleaned the wound can be covered to both protect and help it heal1. The best thing to have at home is adhesive bandages assorted. These come in an array of shapes and sizes and are suitable for covering most cuts and grazes. However if with time a wound doesn’t appear to be healing, begins to be surrounded by redness, is hot to touch, changes to a yellow or green colour or begins to weep it is best to see a doctor because the wound may have become infected1. For any wounds that are bigger in size or result from rusty objects or an animal bite come into National Pharmacies, and we can help select an appropriate antiseptic and dressing to suit.
Sprains & Strains
Sometimes taking a misstep can result in a fall leading to a sprained ankle or wrist. Often these injuries will heal with time, however if immediately after the injury you are unable to weight-bear on the limb due to unbearable pain, make sure to go to the hospital or see a doctor for x-rays2. This will determine whether there is a fracture or broken bone and thereby ensure that the injury is treated properly to ensure optimal healing with minimal mobility issues in future2.
For any falls the best first aid treatment is rest, ice, compression, and elevation; this all helps to reduce inflammation and help you recover faster (3). Therefore, the best products to have at home are:
- Instant cold pack: make sure to place the icepack (wrapped in a towel to prevent burns to the skin) onto the wound for about 10-15 minutes at a time and repeat every 2-4 hours for two to three days2.
- Crepe bandages: this is essential for binding sore limbs to provide support and prevent further damage (but don’t make it too tight or it might stop circulation)2.
- Butterfly clips: these go hand in hand with crepe bandages as they tie the ends of the crepe bandages together.
Burns
Burns can occur from spilling boiling water, oil or touching something hot resulting in pain, redness, and blisters4. If this occurs the best thing to do is run cool water from a tap across the burn for 20 minutes4. Running water reduces pain and helps prevent the burn from worsening4. Do not use ice as it makes the burn worse4. However, it is important to see a doctor or go to the hospital, if the burn is bigger than a 20c coin, on a joint, the face or genitals as it can result in permanent scarring and can cause mobility issues if it heals incorrectly. It is also best to seek urgent care if there is no pain after the burn as this can be indicative of a third-degree burn. Running water works best for immediate treatment however, it is always handy to keep aloe vera or burn aid at home to reapply afterwards5.
These are some tips and tricks in case an accident or injury occurs. However, if ever in doubt about the best course of treatment step into your nearest National Pharmacies where we are always happy to help solve any questions and queries you may have.
REFERENCES: