What are the Essentials of a Family First Aid Kit?

Answer: 
Every home should have a well-stocked and supplied first aid kit on hand for when accidents happen or illness strikes. We’ve all found ourselves caught at one time or another with these little blips, whether they be large or small, and it’s no fun improvising a bandage or plaster from tissue paper and old Sellotape from the drawer.  With that in mind, just what should a proper first aid kit contain to ensure that all eventualities can be prepared for?

The answer is surprisingly easy to assemble and not too hard on the pocket either. 

The Red Cross recommends that a family of four should first of all have at least 25 adhesive plasters or bandages on hand for any small cuts or scrapes that arise. Antibiotic ointment, either a tube or in packets, is also handy for these injuries, as are antiseptic wipes. For larger cuts or burns, roller bandages, one of three inches width and one four inches, should be stocked, along with surgical tape and two compress dressings (5x9 inches). Sterile gauze pads of matching size to the roller bandages are also useful to avoid irritation of the injured area, especially for the likes of scratched knees and friction burns. Also, to ensure that the risk of infection is kept to a minimum, your first aid kit should include two pairs of disposable sterile gloves (non-latex) for the family member administering first aid.

Aside from cuts and burns, keeping a couple of cold compresses on hand for bumps and knocks is always a good idea, especially with little ones running around. For any sore arms or shoulders, a couple of triangular bandages can be used to make a sling, but make sure to have safety pins close to hand to tie it up. For eye injuries, eye wash and a matching eye bath are incredibly handy, as even a bug with a bad sense of direction flying in can be incredibly uncomfortable in the eye. On the same note, spray or cream for insect bites and stings should also be included, along with antihistamine tablets.  

A first aid kit is not just for injuries. The NHS recommends keeping a good supply of cough medicine, hydrocortisone cream, and painkillers (Paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen) ready to use. Remember that aspirin or regular Paracetamol should not be given to children under sixteen years of age, and all directions should be read carefully before using.  

Last but not least, don’t forget the vital tools of every home’s first aid kit: tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer. A digital thermometer is recommended here, as it is less likely to break and ultimately more accurate and easy to read than the older mercury models.

The kit should be kept somewhere cool and dry, and most certainly out of reach of children, for whom playing with bandages is a never ending source of fun. Most health organisations recommend checking the contents every three months to make sure that all the items are still useable and within the use by dates.  

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 

The Best Time to see a Doctor for Burns

Question: When should you seek medical attention for burns?

When it comes to minor burns, there are a lot of remedies that will allow you to treat them in the comfort of your own home. However, instances can occur when you need more than first aid and should seek medical attention in order to properly treat what are obviously severe burns.

Medically speaking, if the burned area is not more than three inches in diameter, it can be treated at home and will not need a doctor’s presence. It can be aided by cooling down the burnt area by running cold water over it for no less than ten minutes. Do not apply or use ice to treat burns, as this will irritate and worsen the affected area, actually causing more pain, instead of cutting down the swelling that may result in blister build up.

Dressing

If you need a wound dressing for a minor or “not so” severe burn, the proper procedure is to use a clean gauze bandage to cover the affected area and keep it from further exposure to bacteria. Avoid wrapping the gauze too tightly, as it may cause more irritation. This can also be done while waiting for medical professionals to take a look at more serious injuries. Do the best you can as circumstances allow.

Blistering

An indicator that a burn is heading into a severe state is if blisters start to develop. Although blisters heal easily, they are a sign that that more skin activity is building up, which is a cause for concern. When blisters appear therefore, it is the right time to check if the “Doctor is In”.

Severe Burning

Severe burns, such as third degree burns, sometimes won’t actually cause much pain, as some of the skin tissues or even the muscles underneath the affected skin have been seriously damaged. If so, you may feel some numbness, a stiff feeling, or you will notice a white substance around the burnt area.

Another indicator that you need a medical professional is if burnt areas involve your genitals, eyes, ears, hands, or feet, whether they be full or partial burns, as well as over joints.

It is also highly advised to contact emergency services:

• If the burn area is as big: larger than your palm
• If you are not sure how serious the burn is
• If the burn is caused by a chemical or electrical device
• If it results in a state of shock
• If the victim inhaled hazardous fire smoke
• If the cause of the burn is due to a physical abuse
• If there are other factors that may have caused the burn to be severe

Also, if an infection has already occurred, the following signs will be evident:

• Fever
• Unbearable pain
• Red vein-like spread from the burnt wound
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Abnormal urination
• Lightheadedness

No matter how small or big the wound is, it is still best to consider medical attention to be properly guided and oriented on how to treat it. Misconceptions still exist as to how to treat and care for burns, so it is best to be as informed as possible should the worst happen.

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy 2015 www.keanespharmacy.com

Remedies for Burns within the Home

Question: What does every house need on hand in case of burns?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, minor incidents like burns can happen within the vicinity of the home. These minor burns damage only the outer layer of the skin, and they are medically termed as first-degree burns. 

Most of these injuries come from five main sources, so show caution when coming into contact with the following:

Common Causes of Minor Burns

• Fire/Flame such as playing with matches or lighted candles
• Steam or hot liquids
• Touching hot objects such as a hot iron, pots, and casserole dishes 
• Electrical burns
• Some chemical burns like cooking oil

Symptoms of Minor Burns

• Blisters if not treated immediately 
• Pain
• Peeling of skin
• Swelling
• Red area or white and scorched skin

Ideally, every house should have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand at all times for relieving these distressing and painful injuries, which is easily purchased and restocked at the local pharmacy. 

In a pinch though, there are natural remedies that can be found within the four corners of the home that can aid in the healing process and lessen the pain. If you find yourself in a situation where you or someone close to you is in discomfort from a burn, try one of the following:

10 home-made remedies

Cold Water

Running cold water all over the burn area for a couple of minutes right after the incident will prevent the burn from spreading. A cold compress over the affected area will also help. Repeating this same process then for a couple of hours will soothe the pain. Using ice is not recommended as it will restrain the blood flow, which will cause damage to gentle tissues around the burned area. A good alternative to ice and water is cold whole milk.

Raw Potato

Minor burns can also be treated by raw potato due to its anti-irritating and easing compounds. It will also greatly mitigate the twinge and lessen the possibility of blistering. Just simply cut a piece of raw potato into chunks, then rub it gently on the affected area ensuring that the juice from the potato is being absorbed by the burned spot. Doing this right after the burn itself will get faster results.

Aloe Vera Plant

Burns can also heal faster with Aloe Vera, as the remedy contains a natural painkiller, astringent and tissue-healing ability. After washing the burned area with cold water or vinegar, slice a small piece of the Aloe Vera leaf and apply the gel gently on the affected area. In the event that you do not have an Aloe Vera plant, a cream that contains Aloe Vera will do also. 

Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice

Coconut oil and lemon juice work very well together in treating minor burn. With its Vitamin E and fatty acids like lauric, capric, and mystric acid, all of which contain anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidizing compounds, coconut oil is a “must-have” in every improvised first aid kit. Lemon juice, on the other hand, has an acidic blend that lightens scars naturally. Mix some lemon juice on coconut oil and gently apply it on scalds. With that mixture, healing will be achieved in the quickest time possible.

Honey

Honey, as naturally sweet as it may be, has a disinfectant solution that helps burn areas heal faster. Spread an ample amount of honey on a gauze bandage, then patch it directly on the affected area. Change the gauze three to four times every day until healed. Honey draws certain fluids from tissues, which naturally cleans the burned area once applied.

Black Tea Bags

Black tea, a staple of every Irish home, has tannic acid that draws out heat from the burned area and reduces the pain. Opinions differ from person to person whether Lyon’s or Barry’s is the better blend for this procedure. In a cup of cold water, place three tea bags and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, swab it slowly and gently on the affected area. Another option is to place a cold, wet tea bag straight onto the burn and wrap a piece of gauze bandage around it in order to secure them in place.

Vinegar

Vinegar has a property of an astringent and an antiseptic compound that is very effective in aiding minor burns and avoids the spread of infection. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil also lessens that possibility of scars occurring as it has both antiseptic and painkiller solutions.

Plantain Leaves

Plantain leaves are a well-known antidote to burns since they are very rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. The most common variety of the plantain that you’ll find at home is the humble banana. Who knew?

Onion Juice

Lastly, onion juice has both sulphur and quercetin chemicals that relieve pain and heal burns smoothly while lessening the chances of blistering.