Myth: Apply a cold steak to a black eye
Do you want grease and foreign proteins in your injured eye? If so, go along with Grandma and the cold steak but an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables is better. Any cold compress will bring down a smacked eye, but you will still end up with bruising. If you are poked in the eye or get grit in the eye, do not rub. Don't even try to remove a contact, if you have one. If getting to the emergency room will take a while, a loose bandage to keep the eye shut may help the pain. If you get chemicals in your eye, flush with fresh (not iced) water for 15 minutes. Even what seems to be a minor eye injury can turn serious and may require a trip to the emergency room or doctor.
Myth: Apply ice to a burn
Never apply ice to a burn, especially if the burn is a bad one. Remove any clothing around the burn and cool the skin immediately with cool water compresses or running water. The idea is to stop the skin from burning and applying very cold ice may injure the damaged tissues even more. Never apply creams or potions to severe burns until the burn is assessed by a doctor.
Myth: If you get a bee sting, you must squeeze out the stinger
Never do this! Squeezing the stinger may allow venom still in the sac to get into your system, it would be better to scrape the stinger out with a coin or credit card. Even finger nails work (especially the acrylic ones!), if they are clean. If the person is getting red or having trouble breathing go directly to a hospital or emergency room. This can be serious or even fatal.
Myth: You need to get the venom out of a snake-bite as soon as possible
This old cowboy trick is a huge no-no. This can introduce more germs and bacteria. Also don't allow the victim to run for help, this speeds the tissue-destroying or nerve-paralyzing venom. Remove tight clothing and rings from the victim and get to the emergency department immediately. Keep the affected area immobile and, if possible, below the level of the heart. Apply a firm (NOT TIGHT) bandage over the bite. Never apply a tourniquet as this may cause further damage to the limb.
Myth: People may swallow their tongues during a seizure
It is almost impossible to swallow your tongue! People having seizures are capable of managing their own airways. If the person is outside, let him or her roll around on the ground. It's OK. If the person is any imminent danger from his/her environment (falling, being hit by traffic etc) move them to safe place. When a person is having a seizure, don't hold the person down as this can result in injury. Just remove sharp objects -- glasses, furniture etc. -- from around the person to prevent injury.
Myth: If you ttwist a knee or ankle, apply cold only
If you hurt a joint, what to do depends on the stage of the injury. The RICE acronym can help you remember how to immediately treat an injury. Rest the injured area, ice it for 20 minutes for the first 24 hours (remove for at least 20 to 40 minutes in between), lightly compress it with a bandage, and elevate over the level of the heart. If the swelling goes on for more than several days warm compresses may help. If you cannot stand or walk, the pain and/or swelling is severe you should seek medical attention.
Myth: Put vinegar compresses on sunburn
The last thing you want to put on any burn is an acid solution like vinegar, the best thing to do is apply cool compresses. Make sure that the patient gets plenty of fluids and electrolytes especially if it is a child (any sports drink will boost the electrolytes). Paracetamol (panadol / tylanol) may help with the pain if the burn is severe. Obviously the best approach is to avoid sunburn in the first place by using a good sun block or sun shirt. Don’t forget that we drastically increase the risk of skin cancer later in life if we expose our children to sunburn under the age of 10 years.
Myth: Something gets stuck in your flesh, pulling it out is ok
This may be ok, if the object is small, visible, and near the surface. Do not try to remove barbed objects like fish hooks or deeply embedded objects. The embedded object may be holding in the blood so when in doubt, see your doctor. If you do remove an object, like a thorn, wash the wound well with soap and water, dry it, and bandage. A puncture wound -- especially a rusty nail -- requires a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last five years.
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Kim Patra is a qualified Registered Nurse and Midwife that has been living and working in Bali for almost twenty years. She now runs her own private practice and medical referral service from her Kuta office. Kim is happy to discuss any health concerns with you and she may be contacted via e-mail at info@chcbali.com”.
