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INTRODUCTION
After 50 years, you'd think I would have learned how to cut carrots without trying to slice the end of my finger off or a man being able to shave without leaving a piece of his face under the razor. And when we consider the cuts and scrapes that appear out of no where on our fingers and hands, we realize that someone in our family is always shouting for a bandage. During their routine check-ups, patients are constantly showing their health care providers kneecap scabs from where they embarrassingly tripped on a curb, or the shin recently scraped against a coffee table, or the long scratches left by an annoyed cat.
In other words, whether we're 7 or 70, we'll always be victims to wounds of the flesh. These recommendations will not help you become more coordinated, or more adept with sharp objects, but instead they may offer a few simple ways to ease the pain and speed up the healing the next time you scratch, scrape, slice, or dice yourself.
Most minor cuts and scrapes will heal on their own, usually within a week to 10 days. Because the skin serves as a protective barrier against germs, however, even minor cuts and scrapes can leave the body vulnerable to infection. A few simple precautions will reduce the risk of infection and speed up the healing process.
If a cut is deep or if the skin has been punctured, such as by a nail, knife, or other sharp object, medical attention should be sought immediately. Every household should have a first aid kit on hand to handle injuries and mishaps. Many people carry first aid kits in their cars in the event of becoming a first responder to an accident.
The information provided on this page is a guideline for first aid or first responder treatment until a wound can be assessed by a medical professional. Transport to a medical facility may be necessary for some types of serious wounds, especially those that involve blood loss and tissue damage that can be life-threatening. Minor wounds can often be treated at home or out in the field without further medical assessment or treatment. All wounds need to be treated with appropriate hygiene and safety measures to protect the patient from infection and the transmission of bodily contaminants to the rescuer. Once the wound has been treated appropriately, at-home care can be initiated involving wound cleaning, bandage changes, and the use of helpful products to discourage infection and promote rapid healing.
Always keep your safety gloves on top in your first aid kit for easy access and use. Follow biohazard safety guidelines when treating any wound that involves blood or other bodily fluids.
WOUND DEFINITIONS
Essentially, a wound is an injury by an external factor or by any physical means that leads to the damage to a body part. Minor cuts and scrapes are injuries that penetrate the outer layer of skin. A cut pierces or slices the skin, while a scrape abrades the surface. Wounds are classified as closed or open. In the instance of a closed wound, the skin remains intact. In an open wound, the skin has been disrupted.
CLOSED WOUNDS
A closed wound is an injury in which soft tissue damage occurs beneath the skin but there is no break in the surface of the skin.
The only closed wound is the bruise (also called a contusion). A bruise is an injury of the soft tissue beneath the skin. A bruise is generally caused by a blunt object striking the body and crushing the tissue beneath the skin. Because small blood vessels are broken, the injured area becomes discolored and swells. The severity of these closed soft tissue injuries varies greatly. A simple bruise heals quickly. In contrast, bruising and swelling following an injury may also be a sign of an underlying fracture that could take months to heal. Whenever you encounter a significant amount of swelling or bruising, suspect the possibility of an underlying fracture.
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Bruising
OPEN WOUNDS
There are four major types of open wounds:1. Abrasion.
2. Puncture.
3. Laceration.
4. Avulsion.
TYPES OF OPEN WOUNDS
ABRASION
Abrasions are commonly called scrapes, road rashes, or rug burns. A road rash is an abrasion caused by sliding along a highway. Usually they are seen after motorcycle or bicycle accidents. They occur when the skin is rubbed across a rough surface. Abrasions involve variable depths of skin.
PUNCTURE
Puncture wounds are caused by a sharp object that penetrates the skin. Such wounds may cause significant deep injury that is not immediately recognized. These types of wounds do not bleed freely. If an object causing a puncture wound remains sticking out of the skin, it is called an impaled object. A puncture wound can be caused from a bullet, knife, ice pick, splinter, or any other pointed object. An impaled object such as a knife, splinter of wood, or glass that penetrates the skin, remains in the body. Puncture wounds may penetrate the skin to any depth.
A gunshot wound is a special type of puncture wound. The amount of damage done by a gunshot depends on the type of gun used and the distance between the gun and the victim. Some gunshot wounds are smaller that a dime, and some are large enough to destroy significant amounts of tissue. A gunshot wound is a puncture wound caused by a bullet or shotgun pellet. Gunshot wounds usually consist of both an entrance wound and an exit wound. An exit wound is the point where an injurious object such as a bullet passes out of the body. The entrance wound is usually smaller that the exit wound. Most deaths from gunshot wounds result from internal blood loss caused by damage to internal organs and major blood vessels. A gunshot wound may appear as an insignificant hole but may do massive damage to internal organs. There is often more than one gunshot wound. A thorough patient examination is important to be sure that you have discovered all of the entrance and exit wounds.
LACERATION
The most common type of open wound is a laceration. Lacerations are commonly called cuts and are an irregular cut or tear through the skin. Minor lacerations may require little care, but large lacerations can cause extensive bleeding and even be life threatening.
AVULSION
An avulsion is a tearing away of body tissue. Avulsions raise flaps of tissue, usually along normal tissue planes. The avulsed part may be totally severed from the body or it may be attached by a flap of skin. Avulsions may include small or large amounts of tissue. If an entire body part is torn away, the wound is called a traumatic amputation. Any amputated body part should be located, placed in a clean plastic bag, kept cool, and taken with the patient to the hospital for possible reattachment (reimplantation).
PRINCIPLES OF WOUND TREATMENT
CLOSED WOUNDS
Very minor bruises need no treatment. Other closed wound should be treated by the application of ice, gentle compression, and elevation of the injured part. Because extensive bruising may indicate an underlying fracture, all contusions should be splinted. Splinting is the immobilizing of an injured part by using a rigid or soft support splint. Immobilizing, usually by splinting, reduces or prevents movement of the limb and reduces the risk of further damage until medical assessment can be performed.
OPEN WOUNDS
The major principles of open-wound treatment are to:
- Control bleeding.
- Prevent further contamination of the wound.
- Immobilize the injured part.
- Stabilize any impaled object.
It is important that bleeding be stopped as quickly as possible using the cleanest dressing that is available. Control of bleeding can usually be accomplished by covering an open wound with a clean, dry, or sterile dressing and applying pressure with your hand to the dressing. If the first dressing does not control the bleeding, it should be reinforced with a second layer. Further steps in bleeding control include elevation of an extremity and the use of pressure points.
A dressing should cover the entire wound to prevent further contamination. Do not attempt to clean the contaminated wound in the field, as cleaning will only cause more bleeding. A thorough cleaning will be done at the hospital. All dressings should be secured in place by a compression bandage.
Learning to dress and bandage wounds requires practice. A trained first responder should be able to bandage all parts of the body quickly and competently. Everyone should have some training in basic first aid skills including taking a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course. Boys and girls often learn these basic skills in youth organizations such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. If you haven't had any training, consider taking a course through your local hospital, American Red Cross or at your local college or university. If this isn't possible, obtain a first aid book and practice the skills from the book with your partner or your children. Learning these skills are especially important if you are a parent and have kids or you are expecting a child. Kids (and the elderly) get injured frequently and you need to know what to do if an accident happens.
DRESSING AND BANDAGING WOUNDS
Dressing and bandaging are done to:
- Control bleeding.
- Prevent further contamination.
- Immobilize the injured area.
- Prevent movement of impaled objects.
A dressing is an object placed directly on a wound to control bleeding and prevent further contamination. Once a dressing is in place, apply firm direct manual pressure on it to stop bleeding. It is important that severe bleeding be stopped as quickly as possible using the cleanest dressing available. If no equipment is available, you may have to apply direct pressure with your hand to a wound that is bleeding extensively, even though gloves should normally be used (Safety Precaution: Direct exposure to blood must be reported to the emergency room care provider.)
Sterile dressings come packaged in may different sizes. Three of the most common sizes are 4-inch by 4-inch gauze squares (commonly known as 4 X 4s or 4 by 4s). Heavier pads measure 5 inches by 9 inches (5 X 9s). A trauma dressing is a thick sterile dressing that measures 10 inches by 30 inches. Use a trauma dressing to cover a large wound on the abdomen, neck, thigh, or scalp - or as padding for splints.
When you open a package containing a sterile dressing, open it carefully, touching only the corner of the dressing.
Place the dressing on the sound without touching the side of the dressing that will touch the wound. If bleeding continues after you have placed a compression dressing on the wound, you should put additional gauze pads over the original dressing. Do not remove the original dressing because the blood clotting process has already started and should not be disrupted. If commercially prepared dressings are not available, use the cleanest cloth object available. you should also use a clean handkerchief, wash cloth, disposable diaper, a sanitary pad, a towel, or article of clothing.
When you are satisfied that the wound is sufficiently dressed, proceed to bandage.
BANDAGING A WOUND
A bandage is used to hold the dressing in place. Two types of bandages are commonly used in the field: roller gauze and triangular bandages. The first type, conforming roller gauze, stretches slightly and is easy to wrap around the body part. A triangular bandage can be folded and used as a wide cravat, or it can be used without folding. A cravat is a triangular swathe of cloth that is used to hold a body part splinted against the body.
Roller gauze is easier to apply and stays in place better than a triangular bandage, but a triangular bandage is very useful for bandaging scalp lacerations and lacerations of the chest, back, or thigh.
You must follow certain principles if the bandage is to hold the dressing in place, control bleeding, and prevent further contamination. Before you apply a bandage, check to ensure that the dressing completely covers the wound and extends beyond all sides of the wound.
Wrap a bandage just tightly enough to control bleeding. Do not apply it too tightly because it may cut off all circulation. It is important to check circulation distal (away from the heart) to the point of injury at regular intervals because swelling may occur, making the bandage too tight. If this happens while the patient is under your care, remove the roller gauze or triangular and reapply it, making sure that you do not disturb the dressing beneath.
Once the bandaging is complete, secure the bandage so it cannot slip. Also make sure that any loose ends have been secured by taping, tying, or tucking. Practice bandaging techniques for several types of wounds using both roller gauze and triangular bandages. Although bandaging is easy, it does require a certain amount of practice, especially on the more difficult body parts.
BODY SUBSTANCE ISOLATION TECHNIQUES
Providing for your own safety and that of patients is always a high priority when you are examining and treating open wounds. Some infectious disease organisms, including hepatitis and AIDS viruses, can be transmitted if blood from an infected person enters the bloodstream of a healthy person through a small cut or opening in the skin. Because you may have such a cut, it is important that you wear gloves to avoid contact with patient's blood.
The use of gloves also protects wounds from being contaminated by dirt or infectious organisms you may have on your hands. Vinyl or latex medical gloves can be stored on the top of your first aid kit or in a pouch on your belt, where they will be readily available.
OTHER HELPFUL RELATED INFORMATION
WOUND HEALING - HOME CARE AFTER MEDICAL TREATMENT
WOUND HEALING
Essentially, a wound is an injury by an external factor to the skin and its underlying tissue. Some of the most common skin wounds are cuts, tears, punctures and abrasions. Symptoms include bleeding, redness, swelling, pain and sometimes pus formation. The skin's protective ability is compromised in the injured area, so bacteria and foreign bodies can penetrate and may cause an infection that will delay healing. When the wound heals, it closes in two basic stages. First, blood coagulates and forms the protective layer, the scab. Then the injured tissue beneath is replaced by new connective tissue. Small superficial wounds can be treated at home, but a sterile dressing should be applied to a major wound as a first-aid measure, and a health care provider should be consulted immediately.
Many medicinal plants, as well as acupuncture, heat therapies and therapeutic touch, have been known to accelerate wound healing.
QUICK SELF-CARE REMEDIES FOR MINOR WOUNDS
Stopping the bleeding is the first order of business, unless the injury is a puncture wound. Let a puncture wound bleed freely for several minutes to allow germs to be flushed out. If necessary, press gently around the wound to encourage it to bleed. For minor cuts and scrapes, apply steady pressure for several minutes, using a clean cloth or tissue. If blood soaks through, apply another layer of cloth or tissue and additional pressure. If possible, elevate the injured part above the heart to slow blood flow.
Thoroughly cleanse the area around the injury by swabbing it gently with a clean, wet cloth, or holding it under cold running water. If the surrounding area is dirty, clean it with a mild soap, but keep the soap out of the wound to avoid irritation. If necessary, remove any particles of dirt from the wound with a pair of clean tweezers dipped in alcohol.
If you cannot wash the wound, then lick it (I know this sounds yucky, but often times this is one of our first initial responses... sticking a hurt finger into out mouth seems to ease the discomfort). A study in the prestigious journal Lancet found that saliva contains a number of substances that can help kill bacteria and promote healing.
Bandage the wound with a sterile dressing, especially if it's in a place likely to get dirty or further injured, such as a hand, foot, or knee. Change the dressing frequently, but don't leave it on for more than a couple of days. Exposure to the air will reduce the risk of infection and speed up healing.
Never pick at a scab no matter how good it feels or how much it itches. This could lead to infection or scarring. Simply let the scab fall off after the skin has healed.
If in a pinch, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly as a substitute for antiseptics and antibiotic ointments.
HELPFUL REMEDIES, SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Never wash small wounds. Instead, allow them to bleed a bit, which will wash away bacteria. Do not touch wounds and do not remove the scab. The scab is needed to stop bleeding and prevent additional bacteria from entering the wound. the surrounding tissue, called the wound margin, can be carefully cleaned with water and then rinsed with a diluted Calendula (1 part Calendula to 5 parts lukewarm water). Cover small wounds with an adhesive bandage and large wounds with a sterile dressing.
When the bleeding has stopped and the wound has been cleansed, apply Lavender Oil or Tea Tree Oil Cream, both of which promote healing and guard against infection. Or you can dab on a tincture of Echinacea, Marigold (Calendula), or Myrrh (diluted in water).
HerbalRemedies: Tea Tree Oil & Lavender Antiseptic Solution, 4 oz.
HerbalRemedies: Echinacea Tincture, Alcohol Free, Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Calendula Gel, Califlora Homeopathic Relief for First Aid, Boericke & Tafel
HerbalRemedies: Myrrh Essential Oil, 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 1 fl. oz.
After you apply supplements, bandage the wound. Each time you change the dressing, three or four times a day, spread some Aloe Vera Gel or Calendula Cream over the wound and bandage lightly.
Everyday for five days after the injury, take Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Bromelain (an enzyme derived from fresh pineapple). Also, drink tea made with the herbs Echinacea and Goldenseal. Taken together, all of these supplements will boost the immune system and speed up the healing process.
HerbalRemedies: Echinacea & Goldenseal Tincture, Nature's way, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
HerbalRemedies: Echinacea & Goldenseal Root, Nature's Way, 450 mg, 100 Caps
Tea Tree Oil is a good option for natural wound care. Because it's a disinfectant, Tea Tree Oil keeps the wound free of germs and also works to dissolve pus. Put a mixture of 1 part Tea Tree Oil and 10 parts Calendula Oil on the wound 3 times a day until it heals.
HERBAL INFUSIONS PROMOTE HEALING
Herbal preparations made of St. John's Wort, Calendula, Chamomile, or Comfrey promote the healing process. To make a herbal infusion, pour about 1 cup of boiling water over 2 heaping tablespoons of Comfrey, Chamomile and Calendula. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes, strain and allow the infusion to cool somewhat before using it on wounds. Dip a linen cloth in the infusion. Apply it to the wound and secure it with a gauze bandage. Be sure to change the dressing at regular intervals.
COMFREY ROOT POULTICE
Dig fresh Comfrey Root and wash it well. Grate 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the root and add 1-2 teaspoons of Calendula Oil or St. John's Wort Oil to the sticky mass. Spoon it onto thin layers of gauze, and apply it to the wound. You can keep unused comfrey root in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for several months.
ST. JOHN'S WORT OIL
An external application of St. John's Wort reduces inflammation and relieves pain in fresh, bleeding wounds. St. John's Wort is always excellent for trauma to the nerves, finger injuries, tailbone trauma, and neuralgia. You can buy the oil as an over-the-counter product or make it yourself by pouring olive oil over fresh flowers from the plant. Grind the mix to a puree in a blender and store it in the sun for 6 weeks or until the oil turns bright red.
ANTISEPTIC GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT
The Grapefruit Seed Extract is a powerful natural antiseptic that prohibits growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It also helps relieve pain and accelerate the healing process. To treat wounds, apply a few drops of undiluted Grapefruit Seed Extract to the affected areas.
Extra Tip - Dandelion and Chickweed leaves have been known to heal skin wounds. They can be ground or chewed, and the applied topically to the wound.
USING SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEALING
TOPICAL SUPPLEMENTS:
After you carefully clean the cut and the bleeding stops, rub Lavender Oil gently on the wound to kill germs and promote healing. You can use Tea Tree Oil Cream or Calendula Cream as a worthy substitute; both help to fight infection, and they reduce scarring. Another option is to try the liquid extract form of Echinacea, diluted with a little water.
After this first aid, bandage the cut or scrape and change the dressing once or twice a day. Each time, apply either aloe vera gel or calendula cream to the cut to diminish inflammation, stop infection, and promote healing.
Zinc: The trace element zinc plays an important role in wound healing. It stabilizes the cell membranes and also has an antibacterial effect. That is why many salves for wound healing contain zinc. It may also be taken internally to improve healing.
Ionic Zinc, Trace Minerals, 50 mg, 2 fl. oz.
ORAL SUPPLEMENTS:
Take the oral supplements together for five days after the accident. Vitamin A and vitamin C act as anti-inflammatories and speed healing. (If you're following suggestions for a basic daily nutritional program, which includes a high-potency multivitamin and good antioxidant complex, the extra supplements are probably unnecessary.)
The fresh pineapple enzyme bromelain has similar anti-inflammatory properties. Taking some extra echinacea orally supports your immune system to prevent a local infection.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Sip some soothing herbal teas. Those made with Echinacea and Goldenseal, for instance, help bolster immunity and fight infection.
Grow your own aloe vera plant. Then, whenever you have a minor cut or scrape, break off a leaf, slice it down the middle to reveal the clear, cool aloe vera gel, and dab the gel over the wounded area. Repeat two to three times a day until healed.
HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES:
Arnica: Arnica accelerates blood coagulation and reduces wound pain. Take 2 pellets of 30C or higher every 15 minutes for 1 hour.
HerbalRemedies: Hyland's Arnica Montana, 30X, 250 Tabs
HerbalRemedies: Hyland's Arnica Montana, 6X, 250 Tabs
HerbalRemedies: Arnica Extract Tincture, Herbal Remedies USA, 2 fl. oz.
Belladonna: A hot wound that throbs is a symptom of infection, for which Belladonna is helpful. Take 2 pellets every 30 minutes until the throbbing lessens.
HerbalRemedies: Belladonna Homeopathic Clikpack, 30 C, 84 Pellets
IMPORTANT:
Many health care providers strongly recommend that everyone take a high-potency multi-vitamin & multi-mineral supplement and well-balanced antioxidant complex every day. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages account for your own daily vitamin regimen. All of these supplement recommendations also assume you are eating a healthful diet.
HerbalRemedies: Men's Multi-Vitamin Supplements
HerbalRemedies: Women's Multi-Vitamin Supplements
HerbalRemedies: Children's Multi-Vitamin Supplements
Be aware that certain cautions are associated with taking individual supplements, especially if you have other medical conditions and/or you're taking medications. Key cautions are given in the listing below, but you need to check each supplement's cautions and drug/nutrient interactions before using the supplement.
MOST EFFECTIVE REMEDIES WITH INTERACTIONS & CAUTIONS:
Aloe Vera: Apply cream or gel liberally to wound 2 or 3 times a day.
Aloe Vera - Drug Interactions:
- Betamethasone Systemic: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from betamethasone.
- Bisoprolol Fumarate/Hydrochlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Chlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Chlorthalidone: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Cortisone Oral: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from cortisone.
- Dexamethasone Systemic: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from dexamethasone.
- Digitoxin: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from the medication.
- Digoxin: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from the medication.
- Enalapril/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Fludrocortisone: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from fludrocortisone.
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Hydrochlorothiazide/Triamterene: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Hydrocortisone Systemic: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from hydrocortisone.
- Indapamide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Lisinopril/Hydrochlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Methylprednisolone: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from methylprednisolone.
- Metolazone: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Moexipril Hydrochloride/Hydrochlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Prednisolone Systemic: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from prednisolone.
- Prednisone: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from prednisone.
- Propranolol/Hydrochlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Spironolactone/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ): Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
- Triamcinolone Systemic: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and may lead to toxicity from triamcinolone.
- Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide: Misuse or overuse of aloe vera juice can cause the loss of potassium (required for proper heart function) and intensify the potassium-depleting effects of this medication.
Aloe Vera Cautions: Do not take any form of aloe internally if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; it may trigger uterine contractions. Also avoid using it during a menstrual period.
Children and the elderly should not consume aloe internally. The same is true for anyone with an intestinal obstruction, an acutely inflammatory intestinal disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), appendicitis, or abdominal pain of unknown cause.
Keep in mind that products that include "aloe vera extract" or "reconstituted aloe vera" may be much less potent than pure aloe vera.
When shopping for aloe vera juice, look for the "IASC-certified" seal; it is allowed only on products that contain certified raw ingredients that have been processed according to standards set by the International Aloe Science Council, a voluntary certification organization.
Be sure that the aloe vera juice you select is derived from aloe vera gel, not from aloe latex.
Use lavender as an alternative to aloe vera: Dab on wound 2 or 3 times a day.
Vitamin A: 50,000 IU twice a day for 5 days or until wound appears to be healing nicely; pregnant women should not exceed 10,000 IU daily.
Vitamin A - Drug Interactions:
- Isotretinoin: When taken together, levels of vitamin A in the body may build up, increasing the chance of side effects.
- Resorcinol: When taken together, levels of vitamin A in the body may build up, increasing the chance of side effects.
- Sulfur Topical: When taken together, levels of vitamin A in the body may build up, increasing the chance of side effects.
- Tazarotene: When taken together, levels of vitamin A in the body may build up, increasing the chance of side effects.
Vitamin A Cautions: Make sure to take vitamin A supplements with food; some fat in the diet will enhance absorption. Also, both vitamin E and zinc aid the body in using vitamin A. In turn, vitamin A facilitates the absorption of iron from foods.
Do not exceed recommended doses of vitamin A. Large doses of preformed vitamin A can build up to toxic levels.
If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, don't take more than 10,000 IU of vitamin A daily. Higher amounts may result in birth defects. Practice birth control if consuming doses greater than 10,000 IU, and for a month after stopping.
Vitamin C: 1,000 mg twice a day for 5 days.
Vitamin C Cautions: Large doses of vitamin C may cause a false positive result for glucose in the urine.
If you have hemochromatosis, a genetic tendency to store excess iron (vitamin C enhances iron absorption), do not take more than 500 mg of vitamin C a day.
Vitamin C can distort the accuracy of medical tests for colon cancer and hemoglobin levels. Let your health care provider know if you're taking vitamin C supplements.
Calendula: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil.
Calendula Cautions: When treating any type of wound, remember that the most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to thoroughly clean the area before applying calendula or any other type of herb or medicine.
If you have an allergy to ragweed, you may also be allergic to calendula because they are related species.
Echinacea: 350-650 mg freeze-dried root OR 2 teaspoons liquid extract 3 times a day. Apply 1 teaspoon liquid extract (diluted with 1 tablespoon water) to wound 2 or 3 times a day as alternative to aloe vera or lavender oil.
Echinacea Cautions: Echinacea is not a replacement for antibiotics or other infection-fighting drugs, but it can be used to complement them.
Because echinacea could, in theory at least, overstimulate the immune system, it could worsen the condition of lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. Consult your health care provider before taking the herb if you suffer from any of these disorders.
Do not take echinacea for progressive infections such as tuberculosis.
Tea Tree Oil Cream: Apply cream to wound 3 times a day in place of aloe or lavender oil.
Tea Tree Oil Cautions: Never ingest tea tree oil. It is for external use only, and should never be applied around the eyes.
If you accidentally ingest the oil, immediately contact a health care provider or a poison control center.
Consult your health care provider before replacing any prescription medications with tea tree oil.
Look for tea tree oil derived only from Melaleuca alternifolia. Oil from other species may have a high percentage of cineole, a compound that can irritate the skin and hinder the active ingredients from providing any therapeutic actions.
Tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin, especially in the vaginal area. It can also prompt an allergic reaction in some people. As a safety precaution, dab a small amount on your inner arm with a cotton swab before using the oil or a product that contains it. If you are allergic your arm will quickly become red or inflamed.
Tea tree oil is found in various skin-care and beauty products (shampoos, soaps, and so on) as well as in some toothpastes. Because the oil is dangerous if swallowed, only very small amounts are added to toothpastes (which makes the products safe, but essentially nullifies any bacteria-fighting benefits they claim to have). The amount of oil found in various skin-care and beauty products is also often miniscule.
SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION
Many wounds appear harmless at first glance. Contact your health care provider or go the emergency room...If you have a puncture wound, especially in the head, neck, chest, or abdomen.
If wounds are located near joints; there is the risk of injury to the articular capsule.
If wounds are located near sexual organs. The risk of infection is particularly high there.
If the eyes have been injured or the wound is from some type of bite.
If blood spurts out or bleeding cannot be stopped. Keep pressure applied until emergency help is available.
If you get a dirty cut, scrape, or puncture wound and have not had a tetanus shot, or can't recall getting one, in the past 10 years. A tetanus booster is one of the few vaccinations I agree with. This is largely due to having my great aunt lethally infected with tetanus after stepping on a nail in the barn. She obtained medical care too late and it was a horrible way for her to die.
If the cut is deep, large, or has not closed.
If a wound is not healing, in spite of treatment.
If the cut or scrape is dirty and cannot be cleaned, or if the dirt cannot be seen. Invading microorganisms are not visible to the naked eye and many can be lethal without proper treatment.
If there are slivers of glass or fragments of metal or other foreign body in the wound. These will have to be removed for proper healing. Never remove a foreign object yourself; major blood vessels could be injured.
If there are any signs of infection or inflammation such as painful reddening of the wound, pus, swelling, fever, red streaks radiating from the injury.
If the cut or laceration is on your face, you may want to have the wound sutured by a cosmetic surgeon in order to reduce scarring. A heart surgeon is also very good with small delicate suturing repairs. My mother suffered an injury cause by a shattered cocktail glass while washing it and she had a large gash that ran the length of her hand as she pulled her hand back with the cracking of the glass. The emergency rooms doctor on call was a heart surgeon. He did a wonderful job and there was very little to any scarring from her ordeal.
Topical supplements, ointments and salves help soothe pain, speed healing, stave off infection, and reduce scarring. However, they are only for minor cuts and scrapes. Large wounds that do not close or cuts that are infected need proper medical attention.
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Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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