Household cures for household accidents

We feel most secure in our own homes. Sometimes, however, accidents happen even at our very own safe place.

You forgot to use a potholder while taking out that pan of chocolate chip cookies you were baking, consequently burning your fingertips. You were left with a scalded thigh after accidentally spilling your hot cup of coffee on your lap. You spent almost the entire day outdoors tending to your plants you didn’t realize your arms were already red with sunburn.

“Minor burns usually involve small areas affecting the first layer of the skin,” explained Dr. Pauleen Faustino, Medicard Philippines Inc.’s Onsite Clinic Management and Health Promotion department head.

First-degree and second-degree burns which are less than three inches in diameter can easily be treated at home. Here are some immediate cures for burns:

Cool water. Run cool water over the burn area as soon as possible. Do this for about 20 minutes then wash the affected area with mild soap and water. Do not use ice or very cold water because doing so may harm your skin further or even give you a cold burn.

Antibiotic ointment. Apply an antibiotic ointment or cream on the burn area to prevent infection.

Aloe vera. It might be a nifty idea to have an aloe vera plant at home. Known as the “burn plant,” aloe vera has been the go-to natural remedy for first- and second-degree burns. Pure aloe vera gel extracted from the leaves of the plant has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey. Sometimes, being hurt has a sweet ending—literally. Aside from soothing mild burns, honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, too. Simply apply a thin film of medical-grade honey over the burn area, cover it with clean gauze and you’re good to go.

Pain reliever. Burns can hurt like there’s no tomorrow. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen to help you with the pain.

It is the most tempting thing to do but no matter how strong the urge, do not pop your blisters. Messing with your burn blister may make the affected area even more prone to infection. It will also take a longer time to heal.

“The area of the burn is also important. If it involves areas such as the face, hands or groin, best to consult a doctor,” Dr. Faustino pointed out.

Aside from burns, cuts (and scrapes) are also a common household injury.

Before treating a cut, make sure to wash your hands first to avoid infection. Here are home remedies for cuts:

Stop the bleeding. Gently apply pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding.

Clean the cut. Run clean tap water over the wound for a few minutes to rid the cut of dirt and other tiny debris. Wash the skin around it with soap.

Antibiotic ointment. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the cut. Cover it with a clean, sterile gauze or bandage to keep dirt off it. Change the dressing every day or when the bandage or gauze gets wet or dirty.

“Small ‘clean cuts’ like those from kitchen knives do not usually require anti tetanus shots and can heal with the usual home remedies,” advised Dr. Faustino.

It pays to be extra careful to prevent injuries at home. Be mindful when handling boiling water or hot pots and pans. Choose drinking glasses and mugs that will not easily tip over. Always keep a potholder within reach.

Make your stairs less slippery by adding traction to it with the help of adhesive anti-slip stair treads or a coat of anti-slip floor finish.

If you have little kids, best to install bumpers on corners of tables and edges of chairs. Put a child safety lock on the spigot of your water dispenser so your kids won’t be scalded with hot water.

We grew up being assured by our elders that “malayo sa bituka yan” whenever we’d get burns, cuts or scrapes and show panic in our eyes. We need to remember, however, that even the most seemingly harmless and bearable wound may take a turn for the worse even after it has been cleaned and treated.

See a doctor immediately when you see signs of infection on your wound. Trusted health maintenance organization Medicard has board-certified doctors and well-trained nurses and clinic staff who are ready to serve patients seeking immediate treatment. Members—and nonmembers—may visit Medicard’s free-standing clinics all over the metro and in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Clark, Rizal and Cebu.

(Sources: Healthline, healthline.com; The Old Farmer’s Almanac, almanac.com; Mayo Clinic, mayoclinic.org)