An injury is a break-in of the skin or mucous membranes. The consequence is the connection of the interior environment with the exterior environment. It is, therefore, an aggression against which the organism must defend itself.
The original cause
The first problem is the root cause. If it is a wound caused by an external element, this break-in is generally violent. It has several characteristics:
- The more or less significant destruction of tissues. The deeper the wound, the more likely it is to damage vital or functionally important structures.
- Penetration of foreign bodies. It is debris, dust, or even matter or objects.
- Bleeding is the immediate and first consequence of emergencies.
- Different tissues and structures of the body can be affected.
- Defense mechanisms immediately trigger an inflammatory reaction as well as the release of antibodies.
How to treat the most common injuries at home
A burned finger and you run immediately to the emergency room? Don’t panic. There are a few first aid measures that can relieve you and avoid, unless the injury is severe, going to the hospital.
A sprained ankle
It’s one of the most common accidents. To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, prepare an ice pack in a towel and wrap the ankle for about 20 minutes.
The next day, compress your ankle with a compression band, raise your leg, limit movement, and rest. If your ankle continues to swell or becomes a disturbing color after two days, see a doctor to check that no ligaments are torn, and no bones were broken.
A shock to the head
It only takes a nanosecond of distraction to bump your head on the kitchen furniture or the bedside table. Apply ice to relieve the pain, but be very careful. At the slightest sign of nausea, dizziness, distorted vision, migraine, irritability, sensitivity to light and noise, or memory problems, see a doctor immediately.
A knife injury
Making homemade sushi is a good idea, but you have to know how to handle the knife so as not to cut your finger. If your hand is bloody from this type of accident, wrap it with a towel and press hard on the wound while holding your hand up for 5-10 minutes. When the bleeding subsides, run your hand under running water, then apply disinfectant and bandage the wound.
See a doctor if the bleeding does not stop, if the wound is gaping, if it touches a joint, or if it measures more than 1.5 cm in length.
A burn
Immediately pass the part of the body that has been burnt under lukewarm water. Then dab with an antibiotic cream and bandage without loosely tightening the wound. If possible, avoid applying ice, as the cold reduces blood flow and may do more harm than good.
Seek the help of a health care expert if the burn spreads to a joint, if the skin is broken or blackened, or if blisters form on the skin.
Heatstroke
No one is immune to discomfort during this hot season. Take a cold shower quickly if you have a headache, dizziness, or nausea. Then turn on the fan or the air conditioning and make sure you are well hydrated.
Heatstroke can be dangerous for babies, seniors, and people with certain illnesses. Call emergency services if the heatstroke becomes discomfort or fever.
Bleeding from the nose
Above all, do not tilt your head back, at the risk of running blood into your throat, but forward, pinching your nose. Keep this position for 10 to 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, call a doctor.