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Comments
Overall, a well intentioned bit of information, but...
You need to make certain that the info you give is actually
going to help heal, not make matters worse.
Ice: 15 minutes on (or less) and 15 minutes off (or more).
Always make certain that you have a DRY towel between skin
and the ice pack. Ever hear of frost bite? It's something
you should avoid.
Superglue... The "medical grade" version
is more expensive for a couple of reasons. First, let's
start with the fact that it has a completely different formula
from what you may purchase for fixing that broken coffee
cup. Why? Because the acrylic version is toxic and can make
you feel rather poorly to say the least. We call the medical
grade stuff superglue because it makes it easy for kids
(and their parents) to understand the mechanism of action.
I didn't bother to read the remainder of the article,
aside from the little blurb about antibiotics, which ARE
for killing bacteria. Antibiotics should never be used
until there is an actual infection, the only exceptions
are prophylactic administration for certain procedures,
or in a topical cream for minor abrasions. The over use of
antibiotics and the fact that patients rarely take it for
the full period ordered has produced numerous MDRO's
(bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics - super bugs.
I'm sure everyone has heard of MRSA (methicillin resistant
staphylococcus aureus) and VRE (vancomycin resistant
enterococcus). MRSA is better known as the flesh-eating
infection... you don't want it and neither do your
readers, I'm certain.
For treatment of minor issues, refer to basic first aid
info found on many reputable sites on the web - WebMD, Red
Cross, and so on.
When proper training and a good history and physical are
not available to you before prescribing therapy, the ONLY
medical advice anyone should give is to see their physician
or other medical provider (physicians assistant, nurse
practitioner). You are legally and ethically responsible
for any advice you give and the consequences of that advice.
Practicing medicine without a license (which is what you
are doing when you tell someone what therapy or therapies
should be used and when to use them) will get you fined and
even imprisoned.
Your intentions were great - make certain your advice is
at least as good.
I suggest not giving medical advice until you are a qualified
provider, such as an MD or DO. You can however let people
know what you have tried and what works for you - but always
remind them to check with their physician first for minor
issues, and see a physician in an ER or urgent care center
for anything basic first aid can't fix.
I hafta agree with Arxontes on this one.. It is well-intentioned
advice, but you have to be very careful giving out medical
advice if you're not qualified. Especially given
such a wide audience of varying educational backgrounds,
some of whom will take your advice at face value as a professional.
I found the bromelaine advice alarming - 1000mg per DAY
is a moderate dose - 1000mg every three hours for consecutive
days for someone with heart problems or digestive/stomach
lining issues isn't at all advisable.
Scrubbing an already clean cut is redundant and in fact,
counter productive.
A friend of mine was recently hospitalised for arsenic
poisoning and they traced it to the superglue that he had
a habit of 'healing' himself with.
The ice, too - the 15 mins off, 15 mins on 'theory'
that you don't buy is there for a reason. You can do serious
tissue damage by making it too cold for too long. Your skin
needs the time away from the ice to maintain a healthy temperature.
What you decide to do with your own body after gathering
your own information and weighing the risks for yourself
is one thing, advising other people to do it for themselves
is another entirely.
Great aritcle, very informative. ICE ICE ICE. that helps.
Thanks