If properly stocked and maintained, your medicine cabinet can provide fast and effective treatment so minor injuries don’t become more serious. According to Dr. Greenwald, the following items should be kept on-hand at all times:
The necessities: Adhesive Bandages, adhesive tape, gauze pads, tweezers, thermometer, alcohol wipes, and a calibrated measuring spoon – all can be safely stored in your medicine cabinet and may prevent a late night trip to the pharmacy.
Minor Aches and Pains: Analgesics or pain relievers to help reduce fever, swelling and pain.
Minor Cuts and Scrapes: Simply clean, prevent and protect. Clean with water, apply an antibiotic ointment, such as POLYSPORIN® Antibiotic ointment, to help prevent infection, and then cover with a BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandage.
Insect bites and rashes: Applying ice to bites and rashes can soothe itchy skin. The POLYSPORIN® brand is also available in an Itch Relief Lotion formulated especially for these skin irritations.
First aid on the go: Taking the kids for a walk or to the park? Don’t forget a portable first aid kit, stocked with polysporin antibiotic ointment and bandages, to treat the minor injuries kids experience most.
To ensure medications are effective when needed, Dr. Greenwald recommends checking and replacing outdated medications twice a year and storing medications in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage and in a secure spot out of the reach of children.
