When you or a loved one experience a bruise, cut, or burn, it can be a stressful experience. You may not know what to do or when to get help. At Getwell Urgent Care in Southaven, MS, we want you to be equipped with the knowledge you need to handle injuries like these. Let’s explore the home first aid you can use to treat minor injuries and when to seek help at urgent care.

Home Remedies for Bruises

Bruises, also known as contusions, form when small blood vessels beneath the skin break, causing the pooling of blood in the tissue. The result is a visible purple or blue mark that typically changes color as it heals.

To help a bruise heal, you can try these home remedies:

Elevate the bruised area above your heart.
Hold an ice pack to the bruised area for 20 minutes or so. Repeat several times a day.

If you take blood thinners or have a blood coagulation disorder and experience a bruise, you may need to seek medical attention in an urgent care, especially if the bruise is large or is growing in size. A severe bruise like this with significant bleeding beneath the skin is called a hematoma and should be assessed by a provider.

Home Remedies for Burns

Common causes of burns include:

Hot liquids.
Steam.
Hot surfaces.
Sunburn.
Chemicals.

Minor first-degree burns, which typically do not include blistering, can often be treated at home. Cool the burn by running it under cool water for about 10 minutes. After the area has cooled, apply lotion to the skin. Aloe vera can be helpful, as it promotes healing. Apply a bandage loosely over the burn to protect the site.

Second-degree burns often involve blistering. Cool the burn carefully as above. Do not break blisters. If blisters rupture, apply an antibiotic ointment. Visit the experienced providers at Getwell Urgent Care for assessment and burn treatment. An urgent care provider can determine what medical care is needed based on the type and extent of the burn.

Third-degree burns penetrate deep into the tissue, often down to muscle or bone. These types of burns, burns that are caused by electricity, or large chemical burns are medical emergencies. Call 911 or go to an emergency room (ER) immediately if you or a loved one is suffering from third-degree burns.

First Aid for Cuts

Minor cuts and scrapes can typically be cared for with home remedies. Follow these important steps in providing wound care at home:

Wash your hands to prevent causing the wound to become infected.
Apply pressure with a clean bandage to the wound or cut if it’s still bleeding.
Wash the cut or the scrape with clean water. If dirt or debris are present in the wound and won’t wash out, sanitize tweezers with isopropyl alcohol and carefully remove the debris. Then wash the wound with water until it’s visibly clean. Wash with soap around the wound.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection, unless you are allergic to antibiotic ointments. You may use petroleum jelly instead to keep the area moist and prevent scarring.
Cover the wound or cut with a clean bandage and change it whenever it becomes soiled with drainage, or at least daily.

Go to urgent care for wound care if:

The wound is deep or dirty. You may need wound care and stitches. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years, you may also need a booster.
You notice signs of infection. These can include redness, white or yellow discharge, warmth, worsening pain, or swelling.

Burn and Wound Treatment at Urgent Care

If you need urgent care for injuries like a bruise, cut, or burn, visit Getwell Urgent Care. Our convenient hours and short wait times ensure you can see a provider quickly and get the treatment you need.