You can treat skin wounds such as burns and minor cuts on your own with the right products; to do so, read our tips and make sure your first-aid kit contains all the mentioned items below.
Always start by washing your hands with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water (or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer).
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What you'll need:
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What you'll need:
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Tip 1: You should never put ointment, butter, oil, or toothpaste on a burn, as this slows the skin cooling process and worsens the pain.
Tip 2: Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are irritants and do not promote wound healing. Use rubbing alcohol only to disinfect instruments, like tweezers.
Clean dirty skin around the wound with water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap, then pat dry.
NOTE: Steps 1 and 2 can be done in reverse order.
Consult a professional for these types of injuries:
Tip: Determining the severity of a burn | |||||
Skin Colour | Skin Temperature | Swollen Skin | Pain Degree | Blisters | |
1st Degree | Red | Hot | Sometimes | Intense | None |
2nd Degree | Very Red | Hot | Yes | Very Intense | Form immediately or within hours |
3rd Degree | Blackened, white, or bright red with a leathery appearance | Not Applicable | Sometimes | No pain, as the nerves have been damaged | None |
Ask your pharmacist to help you determine whether a wound requires medical care or if it can be treated at home. They will help you choose the right first-aid products.
The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.