How can I care for myself

No matter how old we are, we are never too old to avoid the odd scratch, scrape, cut, or bruise. Here, the Consumer Health Information Centre gives some helpful advice on treating the most common minor injuries.

Cuts and abrasions
Minor abrasions (grazes) and minor cuts are among the most common of all injuries. An abrasion is an injury in which skin is removed by friction when rubbed against a rough surface whereas a cut is where the skin is broken by a sharp edge. As our skin acts as the first barrier against infection and disease, cuts and abrasions to need to be tended to so as to minimise any risk of infection.

• Wash the cut or abrasion gently with water and mild soap
• Remove any dirt and debris as this could lead to infection, but do not probe the wound. If you cannot remove the debris, visit your GP who can help remove it using sterile instruments
• Cover the site with a plaster (change the plaster if it becomes soiled or wet)
• Examine the wound regularly to check it has not become infected. If any dirt/debris has worked its way out, clean the site with mild soap and water
• Remove the dressing when a scab has formed.
• If any bleeding persists, or there are signs of shock such as rapid pulse or breathing, pale clammy skin, feeling faint or nausea, visit your GP.

Bruises
A bruise (also called a contusion) forms after a hard bump to the soft tissues under your skin. When these tissues are injured, small veins and capillaries (the smallest blood vessels) can break and leak out red blood cells. These cells collect under the skin, causing the familiar bluish, purplish, reddish, or blackish mark.

Some people bruise easily whereas others may have tougher skin tissue. Despite the many ways you can get them, bruises pretty much go through the same colourful changes as the body begins to heal itself.
With bruising, as the skin is not actually broken, there is no need for a bandage however if the bruising is extensive, you should do the following:

• Elevate the injured area
• Apply ice or a cold pack for 30 to 60 minutes at a time for a day or two after the injury.
  

Burns + Scalds
Burns can be caused by dry heat (eg. fire), wet heat (eg. steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, the sun, electricity, or chemicals. Burns fall into two basic categories

1. Burns to the skin: The most common type of burns are thermal burns, where hot metals eg. an iron or stove lid, scalding liquids, steam, or flames come in contact with the skin
2. Burns to the airways: Burns to your airways can be caused by inhaling smoke, steam, superheated air, or toxic fumes, often in a poorly ventilated space.

As burns to the skin are more common, this section will focus on these.

Types of burn

1. First-degree (superficial) burns affect the top layer of skin only, resulting in red and mildly painful skin. The top layer of skin may peel a day or so after the burn, but the underlying skin is healthy, as so will not scar.
2. Second-degree (partial thickness) burns cause deeper damage, resulting in a lot of pain and blisters. However, some of the deeper layer of skin (the dermis) is unharmed, meaning that the skin can heal well without scarring unless the area of the burn is large.
3. Third-degree (full thickness) burns damage all layers of the skin, causing skin to appear white or charred black. There may be little or no pain as nerve endings are also destroyed.

If you or anyone you know gets burnt, the first thing to do is to limit the extent of the damage, and prevent the burn from becoming worse. Whether the burn is first, second or third degree, there are some simple things you can do:

First aid for burns and scalds

• Cool the burnt area immediately with cold water - if possible, place the burnt area under a running tap. A shower or bath is useful for larger areas
• Continue cooling with water for a minimum of 10 minutes
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches, etc from the affected area as these may cause tightness or constriction if any swelling occurs
• After initial cooling, remove clothing from the burnt area. However, do not try to pull off clothing that has stuck to the skin as this may cause additional damage
• A cold compress such as a tea towel soaked in cold water may help soothe the burnt area after cooling
• Paracetamol may help to ease pain for small burns.
  

Home care and when to seek medical help
See a doctor or nurse if you are unsure about what to do after a burn. However, you may be happy to manage small, mild (first degree) burns at home. Mild sunburn, small mild burns, or scalds are best left uncovered. They will heal quicker if left to the fresh air. Even a small blister or two are best left uncovered to heal. If the blisters burst, you can use a dry, non-adhesive, non-fluffy sterile dressing. This will soak up the weeping blister, and stop dirt and bacteria (bugs) from getting into the wound.
The following gives some general guidance on when to seek help.

See a doctor or nurse as soon as possible if:

• The burn becomes infected. Infection causes a spreading redness from the burn, which becomes more painful
• You are not up to date with tetanus immunisation
• Blisters occur as this indicates a second-degree burn, and it may be best to see a doctor or nurse.

Go straight to casualty (after cooling with water and first aid) for the following

• Electrical burns
• Third degree (deep) burns, even a small one
• Second degree burns (partial thickness) on the face, hands, arms, feet, legs, or genitals
• Any burn that is larger than the size of the hand of the person affected.

You should place a non-fluffy, non-adhesive material over larger or more serious burns before going to casualty. Cling-film is ideal, and is also soothing.

Stings
For most people, a sting from a bee or wasp usually results in nothing more than a painful swelling that disappears in a matter of hours.

However, some people suffer allergic reactions to these kinds of stings, resulting in dizziness, headaches, abdominal cramps or extreme nausea.

Treating stings
If the sting remains in the skin, remove it by gently scraping away or by gently teasing it out with a clean pointed instrument. Do not squeeze; this may inject more venom into the skin. Thoroughly wash the sting site with soap and water.

There are a wide range of creams, lotions and sprays that will ease the sting and help clear up the redness. Common ingredients in these medicines include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hydrocortisone to clear up the redness and lidocaine or benzocaine to soothe the pain. Ask your pharmacist for advice on what will be most suited to you. There are also a range of OTC antihistamine creams and local anaesthetics that can provide relief. If more serious symptoms occur - such as breathing difficulties and hives or swelling in an area of the body other than where the sting occurred - seek medical attention immediately.

Whether or not you are allergic to wasp or bee stings, they are unpleasant and an experience to avoid. The tips below will help you avoid the unwanted attention of our 'flying friends':

• Avoid wearing/using heavily scented products such as perfume, hair spray, heavily scented deodorant, shaving lotion, etc
• Keep food and rubbish in tightly sealed containers/bags
• Do not walk barefoot through vegetation
• If outside, shake off blankets and coats before folding them up/putting them on
• If in a moving car with a wasp/bee, try to avoid swatting it with your bare hands. Simply open the window wide and allow it to escape.