Simple cures for kitchen mishaps

Stuck at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some of us found some fruitful hobbies. Of these, none is more accessible than cooking. While not everyone has the implements for handicrafts or home gardens, almost everyone has a kitchen and absolutely everyone gets hungry.

People learned to make dishes, improved their cooking techniques and unearthed family recipes. Those who’ve picked up fast even started food businesses. Regardless of mastery, however, no one is safe from cuts, burns and bruises in the kitchen. What should you do if you get common kitchen injuries?

Soothe kitchen burns by placing the affected area under cool running water.

Burns. Hot oil splatters, boiling water spills over and heated surfaces scorch. Soothe first- or second-degree burns by placing them under cool running water for 15 minutes. For blisters and wounds, avoid bursting or peeling, cover with a clean dry cloth, and see a medic. Refrain from placing ointments on burns due to grease and sticky substances for better assessment. Third-degree and big burns, especially in sensitive areas, require medical help.

Eye irritation. A knee-jerk reaction like wiping sweat off your forehead can irritate the eye if you are handling spices. In the kitchen setting, splatters of oil or hot substances can also cause irritation. With spices, wash your hands with soap before anything else. Do not rub your eyes and splash it with water. If the pain persists or the irritation is because of culinary tools, consult a doctor.

Splash your eyes with water when irritation occurs.

Cuts. Blood is a common sight in the kitchen. Expect wounds when handling sharp and pointed tools. Wash cuts immediately with soap and water. Stop the bleeding by applying steady pressure. Apply disinfectant and then cover with a bandage. If the bleeding does not stop or if the cut is deep, seek professional help.

Slips. When you slip, trip or bump into things, self-assess. These can cause minor injuries that RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) can solve. But some falls cause fractures and dislocations, which need urgent care. If you observe constant pain, discoloration or swelling, or if you had lost consciousness due to the accident, seek medical advice.

At home, stock up on bandages, antibiotic solutions and compresses to be prepared for accidents. When injuries need more than first aid treatment, you may seek a doctor’s advice from home through Medicard Philippines’ MACE app, downloadable via Google Play or App Store. As the pandemic rages on and you want to be sure about your COVID-19 status, call a Medicard free standing clinic to schedule a rapid antibody test.

Medicard’s MACE App

Photos from Lukas and Vitória Santos from Pexels and Pixabay