Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : December 24, 2015 10:02 AM IST
The moment you get a cut or suffer an injury, you immediately use a bandage even before consulting a doctor. With fancy printed bandages like Chota Bheem, angry birds or Disney Fairies available, even kids are fascinated to use them for even simple scratches. But is it safe to use bandages for every single injury? Here s what our expert Dr Aarti Ullal, General Physician, Mumbai, has to say.
Whether to use a bandage or not depends on the severity of the injury and the type of the wound. If you have a small cut or a scratch, use a medicated bandage which is available over-the-counter (OTC). However, some injuries or wounds might need proper dressing and antibiotics, rather than applying a bandage. If there is bleeding due to a cut or the injury is severe, consult your doctor immediately. Not just bandage, here are 10 essential items that a first-aid kit must have!
If you have suffered scratches or bruises, wash the area clean with tap water. Now, pat it dry with a towel and apply a bandage. You can even use soap or a disinfectant solution to clean the wound before applying a bandage. You can also use antibiotic ointments like ciprofloxacin or neomycin powder/ointment to treat minor wounds and prevent skin infections. However, avoid using kitchen ingredients like coffee powder or turmeric on the wound as the first line of treatment for wounds, cuts or burns is to sterilise the area.Here are few more things you need to keep in mind before using a bandage
You may also like to read first aid for infants and toddlers -- what to do when they are choking.
Image Source: Shutterstock
