We recently had a scare in my house. My daughter was screaming in pain for 15 minutes because her skin was hurting. It turned out to be some orange oil got onto some raw skin, but at the time we weren’t sure what it was because nothing was showing on her skin. She is just too young (4-years-old) to really be able to explain her pain and the problem. It was scary and we were lucky that once we washed it off and put hydrocortisone cream on her skin, the pain subsided fairly quickly. It made me think about my first aid supplies and what we had around the house that could be used for just these occasions.
Below is a list of good first-aid supplies to keep on hand and their uses.
- Adhesive bandages/dressings: These allow you to cover wounds and protect them from infection or further damage. Besides it always make your child feel better to have their favorite character to fix their booboo.
- Gauze pads: Gauze pads absorb blood and pus from wounds. They also wick moisture away from wounded skin to prevent infection and damage to the skin surrounding the wound.
- Antibiotic ointment: Ointments that contain antibiotic ingredients reduce the risk of infection by eliminating bacteria. They also form a protect cover over a wounded area.
- Tweezers: Tweezers come in handy for removing dirt and debris from wounds. You can also use tweezers for first aid for tick bites and to get those pesky slivers out.
- Scissors: To cut bandages.
- Pain Relievers: Child’s acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin in your first aid kit in case of injuries that cause pain and inflammation.
- Instruction Book: Include an instruction book that outlines first aid procedures for wounds, bites and stings, sprains, strains, sports injuries and burns.
- Antiseptic Wipes: These pre-packaged wipes contain antiseptic substances that kill bacteria.
- Cloth Tape: Cloth tape allows you to immobilize minor injuries or secure bandages in place.
- Hydrocortisone Cream: This cream reduces irritation and itching for bites, stings and other skin irritations. My personal favorite and the one I use most often.
- Thermometer: Keep a thermometer handy in case you need to check for a fever.
Here are some things you may have around the house that can be used for first aid:
Aloe for burns after it’s been under running cool (not cold) water for at least 10 minutes. The aloe vera plant can be used to soothe minor burns, scalds and sunburn. Split a leaf open and apply the gel to the affected area to cool, moisturize and promote healing.
Ginger is useful for nausea and to prevent travel sickness. Chew a piece of crystallized ginger or drink fresh infused ginger herbal tea. This can also be useful during pregnancy.
Use an infusion of chamomile flowers taken as herbal tea for nervous upsets, to reduce cramping, and help indigestion. It is also use in a bath to minimize the pain and swelling from a sunburn.
Use an infusion of peppermint leaves in an herbal tea for indigestion.
Frozen veggies can be used as an ice pack.
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
Finely ground oatmeal in the bath is just the ticket for a sun burn. If you make it into a paste it can soothe a sun burn, mosquito bites, heat rash and poison ivy.
Witch hazel – A natural astringent which helps heal blisters, bug bites and bruises.
Here is a good phone number to keep on the refrigerator along with your child’s doctor and other emergency numbers:
Poison Control Center 1.800.222.1222
Call the 24-hour toll-free emergency hotline
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