The most common household injury is the cuts or scrapes on the skin. This can affect adults and children alike. Kids get cuts or scratches while playing outside. Usually, these are minor accidents and do not need a physician.
The first thing to do for any cut or scratch is to clean the wound. This can be done by holding it under cool running water or washing it with normal saline. Rinsing the wound for 3-5 minutes should be good. One thing to remember is the actual wound should never be washed with soap, iodine or hydrogen peroxide due to the risk of irritation.
If there is still debris in the wound after rinsing, it should be removed using tweezers. Before use, the tweezers need to be cleaned by using disinfectants. Once the cut or scratch is clean, dry it with a clean cloth. No further action is usually necessary if it is small with clean edges.
Not all cuts and scratches can be treated at home, though. If it is long, deep with jagged edges, or the bleeding cannot be stopped, or there are signs of infection, e.g., high fever, red and swollen wound, pus formation etc., immediate medical attention must be sought.
If the injury results from a rusty tool, a tetanus shot may be required. Cut from bites, whether human or animal, needs to be seen by a physician.
Following the water treatment, the area has to be cleaned by patting it with a clean and soft towel. Then spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline. If the area is at risk of getting dirty or getting rubbed, it may be wrapped with gauze. This dressing should be changed regularly.
However, certain cases call for expert help. If the burn is more than 3 inches long, severe, or affecting vital body parts (e.g. face, genitalia etc.), or caused by chemicals, the patient must contact the physician immediately. If a minor treated burn shows symptoms of infections, it also has to be checked by a doctor.
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