Medicine for the treatment of skin injuries: wounds, cuts, burns
Antiseptic gel or cream is used to clean wounds and prevent infections caused by bacteria, and antiseptic spray, burn gel, gauze dressing pads, tweezers, and topical antibiotics are other useful items to include for skin injuries.
Painkillers
By keeping basic pain medication that has few interactions and can be administered to children and adults helps to provide quick relief from painful symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medicines should be avoided as they can interfere with other medications or may not be suitable for those who have conditions like stomach ulcers.
For colds and flu
Having a cold and flu kit can be a lifesaver when viruses suddenly hit a household. Keep paracetamol, electrolyte rehydration sachets, vitamin C, lozenges, antiseptic oral spray, and mint and eucalyptus rub to help soothe cold and flu symptoms and speed up recovery.
Antipyretics
Medication to bring down fever is an important addition and can include ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, paracetamol or mefenamic acid. Choose antipyretic meds that are also safe for children.
Help with stomach problems
Indigestion and heartburn is often caused by fatty or spicy foods or eating too much too fast. Antacids and other remedies like Pepto-Bismol can come in handy for the occasional indigestion-relief. However, a doctor should be consulted if these symptoms persist.
Antihistamines
Allergy symptoms can prevent sleep, induce excessive scratching, teary eyes, sneezing, coughing, and skin ailments. Hay fever gel, antihistamine tablets and cream are beneficial in treating allergic reactions and itchy rashes and should be kept in a home first aid kit.
Sedatives
Include natural or light sedatives, melatonin, valerian, or sedating antihistamines that can help infrequent sleep disruptions or episodes of insomnia without having to get a prescription.
Remedies for pain in the heart
Artery relaxers, blood thinners, or aspirin can help relieve heart pain and lower blood pressure in an emergency. This is particularly useful to keep in a first aid kit if there are members of the household who are prone to heart issues or at higher risk of sudden chest pain.
Why is it important to have a first aid kit in every family?
Accidents and injuries can occur at any time. To look after ourselves and those around us, a home first aid kit helps to effectively react without panicking. In an emergency, even a minute’s delay can cause irreparable damage. A first aid kit offers basic and instant care for common injuries and as a first response before getting medical treatment. In many cases, a well-equipped kit can prevent further injury or health complications making it an indispensable item for the home.