How many different methods have you heard for cleaning minor wounds or helping clear routine infections for you and your kids? I know I hear a new one every few days (and no, windex is NOT for everything no matter what My Big Fat Greek Wedding says). So what really works best for cleaning and healing basic wounds and infections? I have a little list for you below.
Ear infections: For problems with the ear, use peroxide to clean the ears. Try to avoid using q-tips, especially if you think there could be an ear infection because it is easy to puncture the ear drum. Remember that you may need antibiotics if there is a true ear infection and that you must see a doctor.
Basic skin wounds: While many people already use it, Neosporin is a great way to keep basic wounds from getting infected because there are three different antibiotics in it. Before using Neosporin, make sure to clean the wound with peroxide and rinse with water to ensure initial sterility.
Ring worm: In case you didn't know, ring worm is a fungus NOT a worm. If you or a family member have ring worm, know that it is highly contagious and the lesion needs to be covered so as not to transmit it. Do not cover it too tightly, as fungi love warm, wet, dark places. Try to keep the lesion dry. You can get antifungal creams at your local pharmacy to start treatment on your own.
Standard hand cleaning: Do you use standard soap or antibacterial soap? and is soap better than purell-like products? Antibacterial gels actually kill more bacteria than hand washing (technically) but the one thing that antibacterial gels do not kill is C. diff which is prevalent in fecal matter. That's one of the reasons it is important to wash your hands after using the restroom but reasonable to use antibacterial gel before eating.
Hope this helps!!
Ear infections: For problems with the ear, use peroxide to clean the ears. Try to avoid using q-tips, especially if you think there could be an ear infection because it is easy to puncture the ear drum. Remember that you may need antibiotics if there is a true ear infection and that you must see a doctor.
Basic skin wounds: While many people already use it, Neosporin is a great way to keep basic wounds from getting infected because there are three different antibiotics in it. Before using Neosporin, make sure to clean the wound with peroxide and rinse with water to ensure initial sterility.
Ring worm: In case you didn't know, ring worm is a fungus NOT a worm. If you or a family member have ring worm, know that it is highly contagious and the lesion needs to be covered so as not to transmit it. Do not cover it too tightly, as fungi love warm, wet, dark places. Try to keep the lesion dry. You can get antifungal creams at your local pharmacy to start treatment on your own.
Standard hand cleaning: Do you use standard soap or antibacterial soap? and is soap better than purell-like products? Antibacterial gels actually kill more bacteria than hand washing (technically) but the one thing that antibacterial gels do not kill is C. diff which is prevalent in fecal matter. That's one of the reasons it is important to wash your hands after using the restroom but reasonable to use antibacterial gel before eating.
Hope this helps!!
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