Ouch! Healing Bites, Bumps and Bangs
You thought you were safe in your bed until you woke up with a giant red bump on your arm. Where’d that come from? Stumbling out of bed in your sleepiness, you misjudge the distance between yourself and the door frame and stub your toe. Before you can investigate the bump, you need your morning coffee. Reaching for a mug, you realize a second too late that your roommate piled the cups a little too precariously and one hits you squarely on the head on its way to the ceramic tile, where it shatters and causes a cut on your ankle. The bad news: You’re off to a really bad start today. The good news: Apartments.com has your injuries covered. Here’s a beginner’s guide to healing all those little “ouches!” before they get out of control.
Spider Bites
Most of the spiders found in the United States are harmless, with the exception of the black widow and brown recluse, which are only found in warm climates. If you have any reason to believe you have been bitten by one of these spiders, apply ice to the bite and head to the emergency room immediately. For all other bites:
-Wash the bite carefully with soap and water two to three times a day until the skin is healed.
-Apply cool compresses (washcloths or towels are fine).
-Take a pain reliever if the bite hurts.
-Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
Head Bumps
Unless you are experiencing severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, cessation of breathing, confusion, loss of balance, weakness in arms or legs, enlarged pupils, vomiting or slurred speech, you don’t need to seek medical help. If you (or someone you know) is having one of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and keep the person still in a dark place until help arrives. There is no specific medical treatment for a minor bump to the head; in time, it will heal on its own.
Cuts/Scrapes
If the cut appears to be very deep and/or won’t stop bleeding, apply gentle pressure and go to the emergency room. For minor cuts and scrapes:
-Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if the area is bleeding. Leave the cloth on for 20-30 minutes without removing it.
-Rinse the wound with water. Use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove any debris in the wound. Clean the area around the wound with soap and water, avoid getting soap in the wound itself.
| 
Email this Article
Print this Article
