First Aid For Cuts And Burns

Guidelines And Tips For Safety

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Cuts and burns

Minor cuts and most first degree burns can be treated at home with first aid guidelines and tips for safety.

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Burns

Cool the burn with running water for 20 minutes after the injury. Use a cool compress if running water is not available.

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Protect the burn

Do not apply butter, oil, lotion or creams. Cover the burn with sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth.

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Antibiotic ointments

These can help in preventing infections. Apply them on the burn and cover with sterile, non-fluffy dressing.

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Treat pain

Take over-the-counter pain reliever as recommended by an expert for relief. Visit a doctor if pain does not subside.

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Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can be effective in healing first & 2nd degree burns. It is anti-inflammatory and inhibits growth of bacteria.

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Honey

Topically applying honey can help in healing a minor burn. It has antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Visit a doctor

These are first aid guidelines only for 1st degree burns. In case you have severe pain or a worse burn, visit a doctor immediately.

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Cuts

Wash your hands before touching the wound to avoid infection. Try to stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure with clean bandage.

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Clean the wound

Rinse wound with water to reduce infection risk. Wash around the wound with soap. The soap should not be on the wound.

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Petroleum jelly

Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to keep surface moist and prevent scarring. Avoid using ointments if they cause a rash.

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Cover the wound

Covering the wound keeps it clean. Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape.

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Change dressing

Dressing needs to be done regularly. Change it especially if the wound becomes wet or dry.

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Tetanus shot

It is important especially if the wound is deep and dirty, or if you have not got one in the past five years.

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Watch for infection

Redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling are signs of infection. Visit a doctor if you see them.

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