Summer is when our children are home from school and while playing,  are bound to get a scrape or cut.  When it happens do you know the proper care?  Do you have a first aid kit in your home?  Here are some tips for a well-stocked first aid kit and how to handle those scrapes and cuts.  Most minor injuries are treatable at home, if done properly, to prevent infection.

First Aid Kit Essentials

A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have in every home even those homes without children. Consider an extra for your auto too.  You can make your own first aid kit or you can purchase one at most retailers.  Here are the necessities for a well-stocked home first aid kit.

• Disposable Gloves (Latex Free)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Adhesive Tape
• Elastic Bandages
• Alcohol Cleansing Wipes
• Cold Packs
• Hand Sanitizer (Auto Kit)
• Saline wash for wounds
• Antibiotic cream
• Allergy Medication
• Anti-itch Hydrocortozone Cream
• Pain Relievers
• Antibiotic ointment
• Assortment of bandages

Store your first aid kit out of reach of children and in a centralized area of your home, such as your kitchen or bathroom.  Check your first aid kit after each use or once per year to be sure your items have not expired or you have not run out.

Cuts and Scrapes

How do I treat a Minor Cut or Scrape?

Follow these steps by Web MD to keep cuts clean and prevent infections and scars.

• Wash your hands. First, wash up with soap and water so you don’t get bacteria into the cut and cause an infection. If you’re on the go, use hand sanitizer.
• Stop the bleeding. Put pressure on the cut with a gauze pad or clean cloth. Keep the pressure on for a few minutes.
• Clean the wound. Once you’ve stopped the bleeding, rinse the cut under cool running water or use a saline wound wash. Clean the area around the wound with soap and a wet washcloth. Don’t get soap in the cut, because it can irritate the skin. And don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which could irritate the cut.
• Remove any dirt or debris. Use a pair of tweezers cleaned with alcohol to gently pick out any dirt, gravel, glass, or other material in the cut.

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The information contained in this Avenue 360 Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Avenue 360 recommends consultation with your Avenue 360 doctor or health care professional.