How to Treat Cuts, Bruises, and Blisters?
Bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes usually is easily controlled by pressure and elevation.
A plaster is generally all that is required, and the wound will heal by itself in a few days.
Medical help need only be sought if: bleeding does not stop; there is a foreign object embedded in the cut; there is a particular risk of infection, from a human or animal bite, or a puncture by a dirty object; an old wound shows signs of becoming infected.
Cuts:
What to do?
- If the wound is dirty, clean it by rinsing it under running water, or using alcohol-free wipes. Pat the wound dry using a gauze swab and cover it with sterile gauze.
- Raise and support the injured part above the level of the heart, if possible. Avoid touching the wound.
- Clean the area around the wound with soap and water. Wipe away from the wound and use a clean swab for each stroke. Pat dry. Remove the wound covering and apply a sterile dressing. If there is a particular risk of infection, advise the casualty to seek medical advice.
Special Case:
TETANUS.
This is a dangerous infection caused by a bacterium that lives in soil. If the bacterium enters a wound, it may multiply in the damaged tissues and release a toxin that spreads through the nervous system, causing muscle spasms and paralysis.Tetanus can be prevented by immunization, which is normally given during childhood. This may need to be repeated in adulthood.
CAUTION!!!
Ask the casualty about tetanus immunization. Seek medical advice if:
■■ He has a dirty wound
■■ He has never been immunized
■■ He is uncertain about the number or timings of injections
■■ He has not had at least five injections previously
Bruising:
Caused by bleeding into the skin or into tissues beneath the skin, a bruise can develop rapidly or emerge a few days after injury.
Bruising can also indicate deep injury. Elderly people and those taking anticoagulant (anti-clotting) drugs can bruise easily.
What to do?
- Raise and support the injured part in a comfortable position for the casualty.
- Place a cold compress over the bruise for at least ten minutes.
Your Aim:
To reduce blood flow to the injury, and so minimize swelling.
Blisters:
Blisters occur when the skin is repeatedly rubbed against another surface or when it is exposed to heat.
The damaged area of the skin leaks tissue fluid that collects under the top layer of the skin, forming a blister.
What to do?
- Wash the area with clean water and rinse. Gently pat the area and surrounding skin dry thoroughly with a sterile gauze pad. If it is not possible to wash the area, keep it as clean as possible.
- Cover a blister caused by friction with an adhesive dressing; make sure the pad of the plaster is larger than the blister. Ideally use a special blister plaster since this has a cushioned pad that provides extra protection and comfort.
Caution!!!
— Do not burst a blister because it increases the risk of infection.
Thank you for Reading.😊
I hope I was able to provide a good amount of information.
Have a Nice Day.😊
