Poison Ivy is a plant that grows throughout the United States. Its poison, urushiol, causes an immune system response; the irritating, red rash accompanied by blisters. These symptoms could appear within a few hours or several days after exposure. Itching and scratching the affected area can spread the irritation to other parts of the body. Also clothing contaminated with Poison Ivy can continue spreading the rash, so be sure to wash all affected clothing. For mild cases, keep the area clean, apply aloe vera extracts, and soak the area in cool water. There are topical OTC medications available for symptom relief. Depending on the severity, you may consider a Benadryl like product or consult your physician for other alternatives.

A deep wound, squirting blood all over the keyboard, needs immediate attention. Get off the web and call the local emergency service (hint: 9-1-1). If you gash yourself at a later time, cover the wound with a clean towel, bandage or feminine hygiene product and apply pressure. If the wound does not respond or the bleeding does not stop, attach the bandage material and take a ride to the emergency room. True, you may look strange in the waiting area with a feminine hygiene pad covering the wound, but if you don't have anything else, use it. Notice: Please use a pad, not a tampon. I have a strange vision of someone taping a tampon to his or her bleeding appendage. Additional information and treatments can be found attending Red Cross first aid courses (www.redcross.org) or the local hospital.

Sprains/Bruises

A sprain occurs when muscles or tissues are overexerted. Usually there is immediate sharp pain and then swelling. Common areas for sprains are near the joints like the knee, ankle, back, and wrist.

Treating a Sprain

1. Immediately apply a cold compress to reduce swelling for at least fifteen minutes.
2. Elevate the injured limb.
3. During the next twenty-four hours, reapply the cold compress to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on the severity, using the compress for fifteen minutes every few hours may be required.
4. After the swelling has subsided, soaking in hot water may offer pain relief.

Bruises

Bruises are the discoloration of the skin caused by blood collecting below it. Additional symptoms are general pain and swelling in the injured area. Of course the best way to avoid or reduce the amount of bruises is to avoid bumping, banging, slamming, squeezing, and punching hard objects. On those occasions when we encounter sudden bruise makers the solution is quite generic; a cold compress for at least thirty minutes. It is that simple.

It is known that some people may bruise easier than others. Inappropriate levels of vitamin C, poor diet, smoking, alcohol, excessive weight, and various forms of cancer appear to affect a persons level of bruising frequency. If your bruising activity is increasing, please consult a medical professional.

Burns

In my personal experience, burns cause the longest periods of pain and recovery. Burns come in three flavors and the information below may seem basic, but it is material to build upon.

• First-degree burns affect the outermost layer of skin. The skin becomes pinkish or red and may be hypersensitive to touch. Sun overexposure usually causes a first-degree burn.
• Second-degree burns damage deeper skin tissues. The area may have a much darker red color, blisters, and pain without contact. Hot water accidents are a common culprit of second-degree burn injuries.
• Third-degree burns are the most severe in the burn category. The damage could affect muscle and nerve tissue permanently. Skin color could range from a deep red to black or even an ugly yellow. Due to the nerve damage the pain may be minimal. These burns require immediate medical attention.
  

1. Immediately reduce the temperature of the wound. Use running water or a cool compress. This may take longer than ten minutes, be patient.
2. Apply a burn gel or aloe vera to the area.
3. Try to keep the injury raised to reduce swelling.
4. Avoid infection by covering the wound. Do not wrap tightly.
5. During the healing process, increase water consumption.

Splinters

A splinter could be any small object that has decided to lodge underneath the skin. For the common irritant, at the point of entry, use a needle to gently peel away enough skin to expose the end of the splinter. Use tweezers to grab and pull out the shard. Wash the area thoroughly and use a topical antibacterial ointment. For an item that has penetrated deeper, consult a physician. See how simple that was?