Alleviating Aches, Pains and Discomfort
Minor pain and itching often doesn't require a doctor's care, but it can interfere with your daily life. Having products for alleviating discomfort in your first aid kit can help you get relief quickly when you need it.
Hot and cold packs, patches and self-adhesive strips can be used to administer hot and cold therapy to reduce swelling and pain related to injuries.
Pain relief sprays and creams that contain topical anesthetics like lidocaine can be used to temporarily numb painful skin that is burned, cut or sunburned. These products can also ease itching due to rashes, insect bites and other types of irritation.
Other anti-itch solutions include hydrocortisone and antihistamine creams, lotions and gels that interfere with certain immune system activities to temporarily reduce discomfort.
Disinfecting and Promoting Healing
Whether it's a cut or scrape, a wound requires prompt attention. Cleaning a wound right away can help to reduce the risk of infection. This can be done with soap and water, a saline wound wash or an antiseptic. Experts also recommend that after cleaning out a wound you apply an antibiotic ointment, cream or lotion to your skin to help protect the injury from germs.
You may also need to cover the wound with self-adhesive bandages or gauze and first aid tape to protect the area during the healing process. If you're concerned about scarring, there are silicone products and anti-scarring creams and lotions that you can use.
Creating Your First Aid Kit
If you're looking for specific products to complete your first aid kit, you can use the links on the left side of the page to quickly find what you need. Need to stock up on all of the essentials for first aid? You can purchase a complete first aid kit to simplify shopping. There are large first aid kits available for homes and businesses.
You can also find small kits that can be kept inside of your car, a handbag or travel bag for use on the go. Some kits are designed for specific purposes, such as for addressing injuries and illnesses that may develop when you're outdoors or for quickly responding to a sudden nosebleed.
Options also include first aid kits that contain emergency preparedness supplies for use if you're ever affected by a natural disaster like a hurricane, tornado or earthquake. The product descriptions will tell you more about what the first aids kits contain.
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