Kay Kay Healthcare Ltd.
CUTS, SCRATCHES, AND WOUNDS
SYMPTOMS
With most cuts and scratches, the primary danger is infection, particularly if the wound is caused by an animal or a human bite, or if it is deep or ragged, or if it cannot be cleaned completely. Signs of infection include:
• Increased pain, redness, or swelling, or discharge from the wound.
• Fever, swollen lymph nodes.
• Red streaks spreading from the wound site toward the heart.
WHAT IS CUTS, SCRATCHES, AND WOUNDS
Cuts, scratches, and minor wounds are an inescapable part of life. Fortunately, the damage usually heals quickly, but two steps should be taken immediately: you must clean the wounds and stop the bleeding injuries can occurs in several forms: a cut, or incision, typically caused by a knife, has clean edges. If deep, it can bleed profusely and damage muscles, tendons, and nerves beneath the skin. If contaminated, it may become infected. If spread open, there is a risk of scarring. A laceration, perhaps caused by broken glass or sharp metal, has jagged edges and is likely to involve more damage to deeper tissue than a cut. The risk of infection and scarring are greater. A scrape, or abrasion, occurs when skin is rubbed against a hard surface; small blood vessels in the skin are torn and ooze blood. Because of their large surface area, scrapes are easily contaminated by dirt and bacteria. A puncture wound is a narrow, deep hole produced by a nail, tooth, or other penetrating object. Punctures seldom bleed heavily, but they may cause internal injury and carry a risk of tetanus or other infections.
TREATMENT
Before treating yourself or someone else, wash your hands with soap and warm water; even clean looking skin carries bacteria that can infect. Commercial healing agents are seldom needed. Antibiotics ointments may help for wounds such as abrasions, but many over the counter remedies including iodine actually delay healing.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
Cuts and lacerations: let the wound bleed a little; the flowing blood will carry dirt out of the wound. Wash the wound with mild soap and a washcloth under running water. Then use antiseptic wipes, stroking from the wound outward, using a clean section of the wipe for each stroke. After the wound is clean, blot it dry with sterile gauze or clean cloth. Put a sterile, absorbent dressing or cloth directly on the cut and apply gentle pressure. Once bleeding has stopped, apply a bandage or tape to hold the dressing in place. In addition to protecting the wound from contaminates, the dressing will minimize drying; cells regenerate more rapidly and produce less scarring when kept moist.
Abrasions: follow the same steps, but because infection is so common, pay extra attention to cleaning the wound; scrub gently but thoroughly. Antibiotic ointment may be helpful.
Punctures: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and a strong stream of water, apply an antiseptic solution, and bandage the hole with a sterile gauze pad. Do not tape the whole closed and do not apply antibiotic ointment; sealing the wound can increase the likelihood of infection. For more serious wounds, your most important job is to stop the flow of blood. Pressure is the surest method. Follow these steps:
• Wash your hands if possible, and use sterile gloves; or put a few layers of dressing or a layer of plastic wrap between your hands and the wound.
• Try to calm and reassure the victim. Lay the person flat, head slightly lower than the torso, or with legs elevated, to reduce the chance of fainting.
• Elevate the site of bleeding above heart level if possible; this will slow the flow of blood.
• Apply sterile gauze or a cloth dressing and maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Your goal is to compress the bleeding vessels enough to allow clots to form. When the bleeding has stopped, bind the dressing firmly with adhesive or other tape.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Honey or granulated sugar applied to minor cuts may assist healing. They both inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus retard infection.
AROMATHERAPY
Tea tree oil provides topical therapy as an antiseptic, similar to hydrogen peroxide. Add a few drops to water when washing a wound.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Topical aloe soothes the skin and may assist healing or superficial abrasions and tissue that is healing or scarred. Satilla Asiatic can increase recovery and healing; it should be used under medical supervision.
HOMEOPATHY
Calendula is antiseptic and can be applied as location or ointment. Ludlum is effective at reducing pain in puncture wounds and may help ward off infection. STAPHYSAGRIA has been reported of value for lacerations, and Hypercom for cuts in painful areas, Such as the lips. Aconite (30c) every 30 minutes for three to five doses may help calm a frightened individual.
NUTRITION
For small wounds, or after healing has begun, vitamin E taken orally may speed healing. Vitamin A, C, and B complex and the amino acids argentine and glycogen may also help; brome lain may reduce inflammation.
CUTS, SCRATCHES, AND WOUNDS
SYMPTOMS
With most cuts and scratches, the primary danger is infection, particularly if the wound is caused by an animal or a human bite, or if it is deep or ragged, or if it cannot be cleaned completely. Signs of infection include:
• Increased pain, redness, or swelling, or discharge from the wound.
• Fever, swollen lymph nodes.
• Red streaks spreading from the wound site toward the heart.
WHAT IS CUTS, SCRATCHES, AND WOUNDS
Cuts, scratches, and minor wounds are an inescapable part of life. Fortunately, the damage usually heals quickly, but two steps should be taken immediately: you must clean the wounds and stop the bleeding injuries can occurs in several forms: a cut, or incision, typically caused by a knife, has clean edges. If deep, it can bleed profusely and damage muscles, tendons, and nerves beneath the skin. If contaminated, it may become infected. If spread open, there is a risk of scarring. A laceration, perhaps caused by broken glass or sharp metal, has jagged edges and is likely to involve more damage to deeper tissue than a cut. The risk of infection and scarring are greater. A scrape, or abrasion, occurs when skin is rubbed against a hard surface; small blood vessels in the skin are torn and ooze blood. Because of their large surface area, scrapes are easily contaminated by dirt and bacteria. A puncture wound is a narrow, deep hole produced by a nail, tooth, or other penetrating object. Punctures seldom bleed heavily, but they may cause internal injury and carry a risk of tetanus or other infections.
TREATMENT
Before treating yourself or someone else, wash your hands with soap and warm water; even clean looking skin carries bacteria that can infect. Commercial healing agents are seldom needed. Antibiotics ointments may help for wounds such as abrasions, but many over the counter remedies including iodine actually delay healing.
CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE
Cuts and lacerations: let the wound bleed a little; the flowing blood will carry dirt out of the wound. Wash the wound with mild soap and a washcloth under running water. Then use antiseptic wipes, stroking from the wound outward, using a clean section of the wipe for each stroke. After the wound is clean, blot it dry with sterile gauze or clean cloth. Put a sterile, absorbent dressing or cloth directly on the cut and apply gentle pressure. Once bleeding has stopped, apply a bandage or tape to hold the dressing in place. In addition to protecting the wound from contaminates, the dressing will minimize drying; cells regenerate more rapidly and produce less scarring when kept moist.
Abrasions: follow the same steps, but because infection is so common, pay extra attention to cleaning the wound; scrub gently but thoroughly. Antibiotic ointment may be helpful.
Punctures: wash the wound thoroughly with soap and a strong stream of water, apply an antiseptic solution, and bandage the hole with a sterile gauze pad. Do not tape the whole closed and do not apply antibiotic ointment; sealing the wound can increase the likelihood of infection. For more serious wounds, your most important job is to stop the flow of blood. Pressure is the surest method. Follow these steps:
• Wash your hands if possible, and use sterile gloves; or put a few layers of dressing or a layer of plastic wrap between your hands and the wound.
• Try to calm and reassure the victim. Lay the person flat, head slightly lower than the torso, or with legs elevated, to reduce the chance of fainting.
• Elevate the site of bleeding above heart level if possible; this will slow the flow of blood.
• Apply sterile gauze or a cloth dressing and maintain pressure until the bleeding stops. Your goal is to compress the bleeding vessels enough to allow clots to form. When the bleeding has stopped, bind the dressing firmly with adhesive or other tape.
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES
Honey or granulated sugar applied to minor cuts may assist healing. They both inhibit the growth of bacteria and thus retard infection.
AROMATHERAPY
Tea tree oil provides topical therapy as an antiseptic, similar to hydrogen peroxide. Add a few drops to water when washing a wound.
HERBAL THERAPIES
Topical aloe soothes the skin and may assist healing or superficial abrasions and tissue that is healing or scarred. Satilla Asiatic can increase recovery and healing; it should be used under medical supervision.
HOMEOPATHY
Calendula is antiseptic and can be applied as location or ointment. Ludlum is effective at reducing pain in puncture wounds and may help ward off infection. STAPHYSAGRIA has been reported of value for lacerations, and Hypercom for cuts in painful areas, Such as the lips. Aconite (30c) every 30 minutes for three to five doses may help calm a frightened individual.
NUTRITION
For small wounds, or after healing has begun, vitamin E taken orally may speed healing. Vitamin A, C, and B complex and the amino acids argentine and glycogen may also help; brome lain may reduce inflammation.
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