Human Bites
What should I do if another child bites my child?The first step is to wash the wound carefully with soap and water, since human bites are even more likely to become infected than animal bites. If the skin is broken, call your doctor to see if she want…
Learn MoreChemical Burns
Many people associate chemical burns with factories, but they can happen at home, too: Contact with strong chemicals found around the house, the garage, or at work can burn your skin or eyes. Examples of dangerous substances are battery acid, bleach, …
Learn MoreHow to Remove a Splinter, According to a Doctor
Anyone who has spent time trying to remove a splinter knows how tricky it can be to do it right.No need to panic, because Dr. Avir Mitra, an assistant professor of emergency medicine and assistant program director at the Icahn School of Medicine in Ne…
Learn MoreCuts and Scrapes (Children)
What’s the best way to treat a cut or scrape? If the cut or scrape is deep and bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth, paper towel, or bandage to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop in 10 minutes, call your child’s physician immediate…
Learn MoreInsect and Spider Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings are a fact of life if you spend time outdoors. Fortunately, although they may be painful, they usually aren’t serious. Unfortunately, some bites and stings are poisonous or can cause serious allergic reactions or infections. Mo…
Learn MoreHow to Stop Muscle Cramps Fast, According to a Doctor
Muscle cramps can be sudden and excruciating. What causes them and what will make them go away — fast?An emergency room doctor offered tips on treating, preventing and stopping these painful episodes in their tracks.What causes muscle cramps?“Muscle c…
Learn MoreRemoving a Ring or Wedding Band
As those of us who wear jewelry know, it’s not unusual for a ring to get temporarily stuck on a finger. Fingers naturally swell, especially when it’s hot and humid outside, or if you walk with your hands swinging at your sides. Usually, if you simply …
Learn MoreFirst-Aid Kit for Family Travel
Use this checklist to make sure you have adequate supplies for dealing with minor medical problems while traveling with children. You can pack the items in a small tote, a lunch box, or a zip-top bag — whichever is easiest to stow. It’s also a good i…
Learn MoreRemoving a Fishhook
If you enjoy going fishing, it’s important to be prepared in case you accidentally get a fishhook caught in your skin. CautionThere are two circumstances when you should not try to remove a fishhook on your own: When a fishhook is caught in the eye or…
Learn MoreHead Injuries
The bones of the skull are designed to withstand some hard knocks. Most of the time, a blow to the head causes nothing more serious than a swollen bump, or “goose egg.”But some injuries to the head can be serious, even life-threatening. The brain is a…
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