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Minor cuts, scrapes, sprains or burns require proper care to avoid
infection and other complications. To be prepared, keep a first-aid kit in
your home. You can buy one from a drug store or you can make your own.
Items to include:
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gauze pads
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bandages
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band-aids
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adhesive tape
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disposable gloves
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scissors
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antibiotic ointment
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antiseptic solution
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absorbent cotton
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To treat minor injuries in your home, follow these
guidelines:
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Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean
cloth, tissue or gauze pad
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Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Remove any
dirt.
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Pat the wound dry with a clean cloth.
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Apply antibiotic cream to prevent infection.
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Cover the wound with a protective bandage and change
the dressing daily. For most small wounds, keeping them dry and
exposed to air will make them heal faster.
Seek medical help if redness, swelling, pus or fever
develops. Check with your physician regarding the need for a tetanus shot.
A wound, even if minor, can lead to a tetanus infection which
causes stiffness of jaw muscles, convulsions and inability to breathe.
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A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold bones together at a
joint, e.g. a twisted ankle, knee, wrist or finger. A strain is the
stretching or tearing of the tendons that attach muscle to bone, often
caused by lifting of a heavy object or overworking a muscle.
Prevention
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Maintain a good level of physical fitness.
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Stretch muscles before and after exercise
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Practice strength training exercises to strengthen
weak muscles. Your physical therapist can provide you with the
instructions.
Treatment (R.I.C.E. Therapy)
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REST - Stop using the injured part as soon as
you realize an injury has taken place to prevent further injuries.
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ICE - Cold helps stop bleeding from injured
blood vessels, reduces pain and swelling. Place ice cubes in a plastic
bag and wrap it with a thing towel. Place the ice pack over the
injured area for about 30 minutes and then remove it to allow the skin
to warm for 15 minutes. Repeat this process for at least 3 hours. You
may use heat treatment after 24 hours. Remember to apply cold
first then heat.
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COMPRESSIONS - Compression helps to control
swelling and promotes healing. Wrap the injured area firmly with an
elastic bandage. Be sure the bandage is not too tight. Always check
for signs of impaired circulation, i.e. numbness, pain, cramping,
changes in skin color and temperature.
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ELEVATE - Raise the injured part to decrease
pain and swelling.
Contact your physician if pain or swelling worsens.
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Prevention
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Wear sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors to
prevent sunburn.
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Use pot holders when handling hot handles on cookware.
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Turn handles of pots and pans away from the stove to
prevent accidental spilling of hot liquids.
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Check temperature of water heater to prevent scalding.
Treatment
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Cool the burned area with large amounts of cold
water for 15 minutes to ease pain and swelling. Apply cold compresses
if affected area cannot be immersed in water.
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Cover the burned area with dry, clean dressings to
help prevent infection. Do not apply home remedies such as
cream, oil, butter, aloe or soy sauce since these can seal in heat or
cause infection. You may put on an antibiotic ointment to prevent
infection.
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Do not break blisters.
Seek medical attention if there is broken skin, swelling, blistering
or oozing fluids.
If you are not sure what to do when faced with an
injury, whether to a minor or major, contact your physician immediately.
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