Helping patients treat minor injuries, bruises, and skin irritations

The summer months can be a time of increased activity for many people, as warmer temperatures usher in numerous outdoor events that can be more strenuous and bring us closer to nature. And, of course, increased activity levels, indoors and outdoors, can lead to bruises, scraps, cuts, minor injuries, and all sorts of skin irritations. Fortunately, the shelves in most pharmacies contain a wide variety of products, to help your patients deal with minor problems that do not require more serious and immediate medical care and the pain they bring. They include:

Itching and rash treatments

Burt Bees Res-Q ointment (Burt’s Bees, Inc.) is a 100% natural blend of herbal ingredients that promises to provide relief for bumps and bruises. Its formula included rosemary, comfrey, and lavender. It is applied to the skin after cleansing.

Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-Itch Creme (Chattem, Inc.) is designed to help heal the skin’s underlying problems. Its formula contains seven moisturizers and three vitamins and is clinically proven to provide moisture for 24 hours. It is recommended to treat rashes, redness, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, irritation, and dry, itchy skin. It can be used by adults and children two years-old and older.

J.R. Watkins Petro-Carbo Salve (Watkins Incorporated) is a pain-relieving salve recommended for minor burns, cuts, and insect bites. Its formula contains natural spruce oil. The product also protects the skin by helping to prevent chapping, cracking, and windburn. It can be used by adults and children two years-old and older, and is safe to apply three to four times daily.

There are also homeopathic formulas for patients wishing to avoid or minimize chemicals. For those suffering from hives, Hyland's Hives Tablets (Hyland's Inc.) is a homeopathic formula designed to relieve the symptoms of red, swollen, and itching rashes that can appear suddenly. The product’s makers claim the tablets stimulate your body's natural healing response to relieve symptoms of hives. It is said to be safe for both children and adults and can be used with other medications. The tablets are to be dissolved under the tongue every four hours or as needed. There are special dosing instructions for children.

Children’s products

Whether patients are planning a great summer adventure or not, it’s a good idea to not only have at first-aid kit for the home but also one for traveling. Johnson & Johnson Red Cross Safe Travels First Aid Kit contains 70 items for active travel and is designed for convenience. The kit contains hand cleansing wipes, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages in various sizes, gauze pads, and Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets. All are contained within a carrying case.

Bandages are always essential. Those designed with children in mind include Band-Aid Children's Adhesive Bandages, Disney's Lion Guard (Band-AID). The bandages come in two different sizes, and the product maker believes the bandages are “products your kids will want to put on.”

NEOSPORIN + Pain Relief Cream for Kids (Johnson & Johnson) is a fast absorbing cream that soothes painful cuts, scrapes, and burns. It also helps prevent infection. The formula contains pramoxine hydrochloride for pain relief, and kills 99.9% of germs within 15 minutes. It is recommended for children two years-old and older.

Hyland's 4Kids Bumps 'n Bruises with Arnica Ointment Stick (Hyland's, Inc.) promises to provide safe and effective relief of pain, swelling, bruising, and soreness. The formula does not contain, PABA, pthalates, synthetic preservatives, fragrances, parabens, dyes, or most common allergens. It is recommended for use by children ages two through 12.

Wound care

Medline Skintegrity Hydrogel (Medline Industries, Inc.) is designed to help create a moist-wound environment by keeping the wound-bed hydrated. The formula is greaseless and contains aloe. The product is applied after the wound is cleansed and before it is covered with an appropriate dressing.

Terrasil Wound Care, Maximum Strength (Aidance Skincare & Topical Solutions LLC.) Terrasil is an all-in-one wound treatment system that reduces the risk of infection, promotes faster healing, and calms inflammation and redness. The formula does not contain artificial scents, parabens, or harmful preservatives.

Terrasil’s makers claim the product kills infection-causing bacteria faster than major brands, is registered with the FDA, and contains an unique blend of zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, and silver oxide. The product is not tested on animals and is made in America.

For those who suffer for the occasional nosebleed, Be Smart Get Prepared Quick Seal Nosebleed Kit (Total Resources) are nasal plugs designed to stop nosebleeds promptly. The plugs are made of a sponge material that can be trimmed with scissors. The plugs are also nonstick and can be easily removed. They contain an oxidized, cellulose ingredient that helps stop bleeding. The package has two plugs and two antiseptic wipes. It is not recommended for children younger than five.

ProCure Bruise Remedy Gel + Arnica Montana (Profoot, Inc) promises to improve the appearance of bruises and spider veins, and to help fade way unsightly discoloration. Its formula contains arnica montana, which is produced from a flower grown in central Europe and Siberia. It also contains aloe. The gel is applied with an easy-form applicator. It is supposed to be applied to discolored skin two to three times daily.