FIRST AID FOR MINOR INJURIES
Minor wounds such as small cuts, grazes, skin tears, burns, stings and muscle sprains can all be treated safely and effectively by our first aid accredited pharmacists at Watson’s Friendly Pharmacy. If left untreated or treated inadequately, minor wounds can become major problems. They may become inflamed or infected, or can leave a scar.
Below is some information on the best way to treat some minor ailments in the home if you have a well-equipped first aid box. However if you would like to restock your first aid kit, receive tailored advice on your specific ailment or let the pharmacist manage your wound, then pop in store and see our friendly staff.
Cuts and grazes should be thoroughly cleaned with saline and dried with a lint-free cloth. If we are concerned about infection, an antiseptic wound cream or ointment may be applied and covered with a good waterproof wound dressing. Antiseptic powders are no longer routinely recommended as they lead to excessively dry wound and hence increases scar formation. The dressing should be changed every 3 days or earlier if the dressing becomes full with exudate. Newer dressings (called hydrocolloid dressings) may also be an appropriate choice, as these will remove the need for antiseptics and can stay on for up to 7 days.
Minor burns require cool running water for 20 minutes. A hydrogel is then applied to the affected area and a non-adhesive dressing to cover and keep the gel in place. Blisters should not be broken and avoid using lotions, creams or oils as these will reduce the healing time and increase the risk of infection.
Skin tears are treated by replacing the skin flap (if possible) and cleaning the wound (if required). A non-adherent dressing is then applied and secured with a bandage to avoid any further damage to the skin with adhesive tape or sticky dressings. There are also newer specialised dressings for skin tears which can stay in place longer, improve healing and not damage the surrounding skin.
Sprains and strains are tendon, ligament or muscle injuries that respond best to Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest means to avoid the activity that caused the sprain as well as anything that may further aggravate it. Applying an ice pack to the sore area (for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off) and compression are the other mainstays of treatment. These should be done as soon as possible after the injury and will reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. And if practical, elevate the injured area as this will also aid with the swelling.
The last minor injury which is often mismanaged are Bluebottle stings. Bluebottles can be a common occurrence here in Forster-Tuncurry after the strong North East winds and warmer currents of summer. The sting causes immediate pain, oval-shaped welts and surrounding redness of the skin. Bluebottle stings are best treated by first removing the adherent tentacles and rinsing the area well in the salt water. The area should then be placed in as hot water as the person can tolerate for 20 minutes in order to neutralise the stinging cells. If hot water isn’t available, a cold pack or wrapped ice pack can be used for pain relief. A hydrocortisone cream may also be used to reduce the inflammation and pain.