The home is a place of frequent accidents, more or less serious, that everyone faces at one time or another. Simple actions can help you deal with these little everyday ailments.

WHAT PRODUCTS SHOULD I HAVE AT HOME TO TREAT MINOR ACHES?

Various products should be kept in the family medicine cabinet, taking care not to leave them within the reach of young children:

• Aspirin or paracetamol-based medications for pain and fever.
• An anti-inflammatory cream or gel (unless this product has been prescribed for a specific treatment).
• Physiological serum to wash eyes, wounds or even nose.
• Antiseptic eye drops (once opened, eye drops do not keep for long).
• A disinfectant solution (antiseptic).
• A soothing ointment for burns and sunburn.
• Sterile compresses (rather than cotton wool which leaves fibers in wounds).
• Adhesive tape and micro-aerated dressings.
• A self-adhesive strip to hold the dressing without sticking to the skin or a mesh net to put on like a sock.
• Greasy dressings (greasy tulle) for burns and superficial wounds.
• A thermometer.
• A splinter tweezer.
• A pair of tweezers to remove ticks.
• Hydrocolloid dressings. These are waterproof dressings, but which retain moisture and do not adhere to the wound.
• Generally speaking, for all liquid products and dressings, prefer single-packs.

Have the right products in your family medicine cabinet, useful for treating everyday ailments. Discover the right reflexes to have, what to apply and how to go about it. Always wash your hands before treating them!

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A MINOR BURN?

On a small burn that manifests itself by the presence of redness, or even small blisters, there is a simple rule to follow: run warm water at 20-25° 10-15 cm above the burn for 15 minutes or until the pain disappears. Then, apply a thick layer of moisturizing ointment and repeat the operation 2 or 3 hours later. In the event of a blister, pierce and leave the roof of the blister in place to protect the underlying wound. Contrary to some preconceived ideas, do not put butter, oil, potato, egg white, ice cubes... Apply a hydrocolloid dressing or tulle gras

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSULT FOR A BURN?

When the burn is larger than the palm of the hand, located on the face, neck, chest, hands, anus, genitals, if it is deep, if it occurs in an infant or an elderly diabetic person. You should also consult if the pain persists after several days, if it swells or turns red. Never hesitate to contact the burn center or call the emergency services (15, 112), if you have the slightest fear.
To avoid injuries and especially sometimes serious domestic accidents, have the right reflexes and thus protect your loved ones by limiting the risks.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF SUNBURN?

Immediately apply a generous layer of moisturizing and soothing cream. Monitor your temperature and consult a doctor if your fever is over 39°. In the days that follow, it is important to apply an emollient moisturizing cream.

HOW TO DISINFECT A SMALL WOUND?

The wound should be cleaned thoroughly with soapy water and then an antiseptic applied. Any debris that could cause infection should be carefully removed. When cleaning the wound, it is recommended to use a sterile compress rather than cotton wool, which can leave fibers in the wound. Once the wound is cleaned, you can apply a dressing. It should be changed every 2-3 days. The dressing should be sufficiently ventilated and retain some moisture to facilitate healing.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A BRUISING?

A bruise, often called a "blue", is a small, very superficial effusion of blood visible under the skin. You should immediately apply ice cubes, which you will have previously placed in a clean cloth, for 15 minutes to prevent swelling. Various preparations available without a prescription allow local treatment of the bruise. They are applied to the painful area with a light massage. In the event of a fall on the head, dizziness, or memory problems, you should immediately consult your doctor or call emergency services (15, 112).

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A SPRAIN?

First, you need to assess the degree of the sprain: if you can move the sprained limb (ankle, wrist), it is probably a mild sprain. In this case, you need to rest the joint, apply ice, apply compression (elastic or adhesive bandage) and, for the ankle, elevate the joint. If you cannot move the joint and it swells, it may be a more serious sprain. In this case, it is best to consult a doctor.

WHAT TO DO TO TREAT A BLISTERS?

Evacuate the contents, hold the roof of the blister, which protects the wound, cover with a hydrocolloid or greasy dressing. Do not disinfect the wound, but simply wash it with physiological serum or tap water and soap; antiseptics damage hydrocolloid dressings. Bursting the blister provides significant pain relief. If the blister is

To prevent complications, it is important to ensure that your last tetanus injection was not more than 10 years ago. If in doubt, never hesitate to call emergency services for advice or referral.