Home Remedies for Cuts, Scrapes and Insect Bites or Stings

Most of us, especially kids, get our share of everyday cuts, scrapes, punctures, and insect bites. Serious injuries should be tended by a doctor, however, minor and superficial wounds can heal with minimal home treatment.

Home Treatment of Cuts and Scrapes

Cleanliness is important when treating a cut or scrape at home. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water. Hydrogen peroxide is also good for flushing out bacteria that can cause inflammation or infection. The edges of a cut should be held together to hasten healing and minimize scarring. Usually a bandaid or bandage is sufficient.

Most scrapes will scab over quickly. This is nature's way of dressing the wound. If it continues to ooze, a temporary bandage may help but should be removed as soon as possible to allow the wound fresh air and sun.

With both cuts and scrapes, if there is excessive bleeding or if pus, fever, swelling, or extensive redness occurs or if the wound is not healing well within a week or so, see a doctor.

Home Treatment of a Puncture

Do not apply pressure to stop bleeding unless there is a large amount of blood loss or unless blood is squirting. Bleeding will help to flush foreign material from the inside of the wound. Clean the outside of the wound as thoroughly as possible with soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. The wound should be soaked in warm water several times a day for four or five days. This will keep it from sealing over too quickly and trapping bacteria inside.

If there is excessive bleeding or if pus, fever, swelling, or extensive redness occurs, see a doctor.

Home Treatment of Insect Bites and Stings

Apply ice or a cold pack promptly. Pain relievers and antihistamines may provide some relief.

Insect bites can cause varying reactions in individuals. A local reaction is the initial pain and discomfort which should subside within several minutes up to 48 hours. Systemic reactions have the potential to be serious and should be treated as an emergency. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, skin rashes or fainting. Although rare, fainting from an insect bite or sting should be treated as an emergency.

A bite from a black widow spider or a brown recluse spider should be treated by a doctor immediately. Some spider bites can cause abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, headaches, sweating, shaking, and tingly sensations. Tick bites are usually not serious but some ticks do carry diseases.

If the site of an insect bite or sting is not healing within a couple of days, or a sore develops, or other reactions occur, see a doctor.

A Word About Tetanus

The tetanus germ is common and the disease (lockjaw) is serious. The tetanus germ cannot grow in the presence of air, so a clean and superficial wound is less likely to become infected by tetanus. Deeper wounds have the potential of trapping the tetanus germ inside. Deep cuts and punctures usually require a tetanus vaccination if immunity has expired. Check with your doctor to find out if you need a tetanus shot.

The home remedies in this article are simply suggestions and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. If your injury is serious, seek the help of a doctor immediately.