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INTRODUCTION
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 first person on the scene of an accident rendering first aid is called the first responder. They take care of first aid measures until a more qualified medical team, such as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and/or paramedics arrive on the scene.
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.
For wound definitions and descriptions as well as information about types of bandages, self-care of minor wounds and home-treatment of minor wounds see this link:
MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Cuts, Scrapes, & Wounds
SPECIFIC WOUND TREATMENT
FACE AND SCALP WOUNDS
The face and scalp have many blood vessels. Because of their generous blood supply, a relatively small laceration can result in a large amount of bleeding. Although face and scalp lacerations may not be life threatening, they are always bloody and cause much anxiety for the patient and the first responder.
You can control almost all bleeding from the scalp and face by applying direct manual pressure. Direct pressure is effective because the skull is located under the skin. By applying direct pressure over the wound, you can compress blood vessels against the skull, stopping the bleeding. If bleeding continues, do not remove the dressing. Instead, reinforce it with a second layer and continue to apply manual pressure. Once the bleeding has stopped, wrap the head with a bandage.
For cheek wounds, hold a gauze pad inside the cheek (in the mouth). If necessary, also hold a pad outside the cheek. Always keep the airway clear and open.
Severe scalp lacerations may be associated with skull fractures or even brain injury. If any brain tissue or bone fragment is visible, do not apply pressure to the wound. Instead, cover the wound loosely, being careful not to exert direct pressure on the brain or on the bone fragments.
If the patient has a head injury, the neck and spine may also be injured. Move the head as little as possible and stabilize the neck. If a back injury also is suspected, a backboard or other stable device may need to be used to stabilize the entire head-neck-spine region to prevent further injury.
In cases of head injury, always evaluate the patient's level of consciousness. Carefully monitor the patient's airway and breathing to protect the spine. Transport as quickly as possible to the nearest medical facility for assessment.
NOSEBLEEDS
Nosebleeds can result from injury or high blood pressure. In some cases, there is no apparent cause. A nosebleed with no apparent cause is called a spontaneous nosebleed. In a patient with high blood pressure, increased pressure in the small blood vessels of the nose may cause one to rupture, resulting in bleeding. A patient with high blood pressure should be seen and treated by a medical facility or a health care provider.
Most nosebleeds can be controlled easily. Unless the patient is suffering from shock, seat the person and tilt the head slightly forward. This position keep the blood from dripping down the throat. Swallowing blood may cause coughing or vomiting, making the nosebleed worse.
Once the patient is seated correctly, pinch both nostrils together for at least five minutes. The patient may wish to do this without assistance. This treatment usually controls nosebleeds.
If a nosebleed persists or is severe, arrange to have the patient transported to an appropriate medical facility. Instruct the patient to avoid blowing his or her nose because this will often cause additional bleeding.
Remember: Any patient you think may have high blood pressure must be evaluated in the hospital.
EYE INJURIES
All eye injuries are potentially serious and require medical attention. When an eye laceration is suspected, cover the entire eye with a dry gauze pad. Have the patient lie on his or her back and arrange for transport to an appropriate medical facility.
Occasionally an object may be impaled in the eye. Immediately place the patient on his or her back and cover the injured eye with a dressing and a paper cup so the impaled object cannot move. Bandage both eyes. This is important because both eyes move together, and if the patient attempts to look at something with the uninjured eye, the injured eye will move also, aggravating the injury.
Arrange for prompt and rapid medical transport of the patient to the nearest hospital for assessment and treatment.
Note: Whenever you must bandage both eyes, explain to the patient why you are doing so. Having both eyes covered can be very distressing. Stay with the patient to help reassure him or her until medical help arrives.
NECK WOUNDS
The neck contains many important structures: the trachea, the esophagus, large arteries, veins, muscles, vertebrae, and the spinal cord. Because an injury to any of these structures may be life-threatening, all neck injuries are serious.
Use direct pressure to control bleeding, neck wounds. Once bleeding is controlled, bandage the neck.
In rare cases, you may have to exert finger pressure above or below the injury site to prevent further neck bleeding.
Always keep in mind that major trauma to the neck may be associated with airway problems and with neck fracture or spinal cord injury. Therefore, maintain the patient's airway and stabilize the head and neck.
CHEST & BACK WOUNDS
The major organs affected by chest wounds and back wounds are the lungs, large vessels, and heart. Any wound involving these organs is a life-threatening injury. If a lung is punctured, air can escape from the lung, causing it to collapse. The patient may cough up bright red blood. To help maintain air pressure in the lung, your first act should be to cover any open chest wound with an airtight material, sealing it. This covering is called an occlusive dressing. Use a clear plastic cover from your medical supplies, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or a special dressing that has been impregnated with petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Any material that will occlude (seal off) the wound is sufficient.
Place the patient with a chest injury in a comfortable position (usually sitting).
Administration of oxygen is an important early treatment for an injured lung. It should be given by EMT personnel when they arrive or by first responders who are also trained and have the equipment available.
Chest wounds may also damage the heart. Seal the wound in the manner prescribed. Monitor the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC). Treat the patient for shock and perform CPR, if necessary.
IMPALED OBJECTS
If an object is impaled in the patient, apply a stabilizing dressing and arrange for the patient's immediate transport to an appropriate medical facility. Sometimes an impaled object is too long to permit the patient to be removed from the accident scene and transported to an appropriate medical facility. In these cases, it may be necessary to stabilize the impaled object and carefully cut it close to the patient's body. If you encounter a situation like this, stabilize the impaled object as well as you can and immediately request a specialized rescue tea that has the tools and training to handle such a situation.
If you find the patient with a knife or other object protruding from the abdomen, do not attempt to remove it. Rather, support the impaled object so it cannot move. Place a large roll of gauze on either side of it and secure the rolls with additional gauze wrapped around the body. It is important to stabilize the object so it will not move while the patient is being transported to the hospital. Any movement of the object may cause further internal damage.
CLOSED ABDOMINAL WOUNDS
Closed abdominal wounds occur commonly as the result of a direct blow from a blunt object. You should check for a closed abdominal wound whenever force has been applied to the abdomen. Look for bruises or other marks on the abdomen that indicate blunt injury.
Any time an injured person suffers from shock, you should remember that there may be internal abdominal injuries accompanied by bleeding. When there is internal bleeding, the abdomen may become swollen, rigid, or even board-like.
Treat patients with closed abdominal injuries and signs of shock by placing them on their backs with legs elevated at least 6 inches (unless they are having breathing difficulties). Conserve their body heat by covering them with a blanket, a coat or other item.
If the patient is vomiting blood (ranging in color from bright red to dark brown, it may be an indication of bleeding from the esophagus or stomach. Monitor the patient's vital signs and functions carefully because shock may result. Give the patient nothing by mouth. Arrange for prompt transport to an appropriate medical facility for assessment and treatment.
OPEN ABDOMINAL WOUNDS
Open abdominal wounds usually result from slashing with a knife or other sharp object and are always serious injuries.
Treatment for an open-abdominal wound consists of the following steps:1. Apply a dry, sterile dressing to the wound.
2. Maintain the patient's body temperature.
3. Place the patient on his or her back with the legs elevated.
4. Place the patient who is having difficulty breathing in a semi-reclining position.
5. Administer oxygen if it is available.
If the intestines are protruding from the abdomen, place the patient on his or her back with the knees bent, to relax the abdominal muscles. Cover the injured area with a sterile dressing. Do not attempt to replace the intestines inside the abdomen.
A bandage for intestines protruding from the abdomen is made from a large trauma pad (10 X 30 inches) and several cravats (folded triangular bandages). Position the trauma pad to cover the whole area of the wound. Place 2 or 3 wide cravats loosely over the trauma pad just tightly enough to keep it firmly in place., but not tightly enough to push the intestines back into the abdomen.
EMTs and paramedics carry sterile saline (salt water), which can be poured on the dressing to keep the protruding organs moist so they do not dry out. Only sterile saline should be used.
GENITAL WOUNDS
Both male and female genitals have a rich blood supply. Injury to the genitals can often result in severe bleeding. Apply direct pressure to any genital wound with a dry, sterile dressing. Direct pressure usually stops the bleeding. Although it may be socially awkward to examine the patient's genital area to determine the severity of the injury, you must do so if you suspect such injuries. The patient can suffer a critical loss of blood if you do not find the injury or control bleeding.
For genital bleeding related to childbirth:
EXTREMITY WOUNDS
To treat all open extremity wounds, you should apply a dry, sterile compression dressing and bandage it securely in place.
Elevation of the injured part decreases bleeding and swelling. You should splint all injured extremities prior to transport because of the possibility of an underlying fracture.
GUNSHOT WOUNDS
Some gunshot wounds are easy to miss unless you perform a thorough patient examination. Most deaths from gunshot wounds result from internal blood loss cause by damage to internal organs and major blood vessels. Because gunshot wounds are so serious, it is important that prompt and effective treatment be performed. Gunshot wounds of the trunk and neck are a major cause of spinal cord injuries. Because you cannot tell where the bullets have gone, you should treat these patients for spinal cord injuries.
Treatment for gunshot wounds consists of the following steps:1. Open the airway and establish adequate ventilation and circulation.
2. Control any external bleeding by covering wounds with sterile dressings and apply pressure with your hand or with a bandage.
3. Examine the patient thoroughly to be sure you have discovered all entrance and exit wounds.
4. Treat for symptoms of shock by:A. Maintaining the patient's body temperature.
B. Placing the patient on his or her back with the legs elevated 6 inches.
C. Placing a patient who is having difficulty breathing in a semi-reclining position.
D. Administering oxygen, if available.
5. Arrange for prompt transportation of the patient to an appropriate medical facility.
6. Perform CPR if the patient's heart stops as a result of loss of blood.
BITE WOUNDS
Bites from animals and humans may range from minor to severe. All bites have a high chance of causing infection. Bites from an unvaccinated animal may cause rabies. Minor bites can be washed with soap and water, if it is available. Major bite wounds should be treated by controlling the bleeding and applying a suitable dressing and bandage.
All patients who have been bitten by an animal or another person must be treated by a health care provider. In most states, EMS personnel are required to report animal bites to the local health organization or a law enforcement agency. You should check the laws in your local area to determine requirements.
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).
Herbal Remedies: Tea Tree Oil & Lavender Antiseptic Solution, 4 oz.
Herbal Remedies: Echinacea Tincture, Alcohol Free, Nature's Way, 1 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: Calendula Gel, Califlora Homeopathic Relief for First Aid, Boericke & Tafel
Herbal Remedies: 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.
Herbal Remedies: Echinacea & Goldenseal Tincture, Nature's way, Alcohol Free, 1 fl. oz.
Herbal Remedies: 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.
Herbal Remedies: Hyland's Arnica Montana, 30X, 250 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: Hyland's Arnica Montana, 6X, 250 Tabs
Herbal Remedies: 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.
Herbal Remedies: 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.
Herbal Remedies: Men's Multi-Vitamin Supplements
Herbal Remedies: Women's Multi-Vitamin Supplements
Herbal Remedies: 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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