How to care for summer scrapes & bruises

Summertime is not only fun, but a season of common scrapes, bruises and other injuries that come with being highly active outdoors. Here are a few tips on how to prepare. Start with a first-aid kit There are plenty of ready-made first-aid kits in stores, but if you want to make your own, HealthyChildren.org suggests including items like bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment, gauze and itch-relieving spray or cream. If a member of your family has special needs, you'll also want to add things like EpiPens, Benadryl, feminine hygiene products, Dramamine, asthma inhalers and whatever other prescription medicines you consider essential for getting through a medical emergency. Head off bigger problems with preventive care Sunblock, insect repellant, flashlights, water and clean towels will come in handy, too, regardless of where you are. Dressing properly for the occasion is also a smart idea. Caring for summertime wounds and injuries takes advance planning and sometimes emergency treatment. Decide on the right treatment Sometimes you can handle ordinary scrapes and abrasions with simple first-aid remedies if bleeding is minor and stops after a short time. Other times, you'll want to seek immediate treatment from a health care professional. ProMedica advises that punctures and open, gaping wounds that continue bleeding are a special cause for concern because bacteria can get into the wound, resulting in a high risk of infection, or in some serious cases, tetanus. If yo...
Source: Advanced Tissue - Category: Dermatology Authors: Tags: Wound Care Wound care products Wound Infection Source Type: news