Category Archive: Home Safety

Prevent Scars with Proper Wound Care

Posted by on September 14, 2018

Man having his wound treated and bandaged to prevent scars Cuts, scrapes, and minor wounds are a part of life, but lasting scars don’t have to be. Learn how to care for your wounds and prevent scars.

What Exactly Is A Scar?

When skin is injured, our body produces extra collagen in an effort to repair the wound as fast as possible. This fibrous healing tissue replaces normal skin, and becomes what we refer to as a scar. Most scars are flat and pale, though some may be raised (known as hypertrophic and keloid scars). The appearance of a scar depends on factors such as the size, shape, and location of the wound and the thickness and color of your skin. While some scarring is inevitable, there are some simple ways you can prevent and lessen lasting marks.

Follow These Wound Care Steps To Prevent Scars

  1. Know when to see a doctor. Wide-set or deep cuts may need stitches. If your wound is deep, painful, or becomes infected, head into our clinic as soon as possible. The key to preventing scars is treating wounds early. Our medical team can quickly evaluate and treat your injury to help you heal faster and minimize scarring. Make sure to follow your provider’s advice on follow-up care and when to get stitches removed.
  2. Keep the wound clean, moist, and covered. Wash your wound daily, using water, a soft wash cloth, and mild soap. After cleaning, apply petroleum jelly or Aquaphor, and a fresh bandage. This hydrates the wound to promote healing, and also protects it from germs and infection. Properly caring for your wound will allow your body to heal with less work and less scarring.
  3. Be patient. Wounds take many months to fully heal.  Avoid using hydrogen peroxide (it actually slows tissue growth), never pick scabs, and always wear sunscreen to prevent discoloration and further skin damage.  A simple, natural healing process is your best bet!

When you need fast treatment for minor cuts and wounds, head into our clinic. We can evaluate your injury and perform stitches, X-rays, and tetanus shots on-site, with no appointment necessary.

Categories: Home Safety Sports Injury Care | No Comments »

How to Stay Safe in and Around Your Home During National Safety Month

Posted by on June 2, 2017

June is National Safety Month, which makes it a great time to review your safety procedures. The following are several important ways to keep you and your family safe this summer.

How to Stay Safe in Your Home

There are a few simple ways to keep your home safe. First and foremost, make sure to always keep all of your doors and windows locked, both when away from your home as well as when you’re in for the night.

Since it’s the summer, you might be taking a trip with your family. While it’s tempting to post photos on social media, you should avoid doing so until you are back home. Posting vacation photos in real time gives someone the opportunity to break into your home with the knowledge that you and your family are hundreds of miles away.

Avoiding Accidents in and Around Your Home

During the summer months, you might have more people in and around your house than usual. From children home for summer vacation to BBQs and other events, keeping your home decluttered can prevent stubbed toes and other, perhaps more serious, injuries.

When you clean hardwood floors, make sure to dry them before anyone walks on them, or at the very least, make sure everyone in the home knows that the area is slippery.

Keeping Your Kids Safe During the Summer Months

During the school year, your children are under the supervision of educators for a significant portion of the day. During the summer, however, this is typically not the case. Finding structured activities for your children to get involved in, for example, summer camp, can keep them under adult supervision.

If they are home, make sure they understand the importance of keeping doors locked. If they are playing outside, emphasize the importance of staying out of busy streets.

If an unfortunate accident or injury does occur, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Physicians Urgent Care provides high-quality care right when you need it. To get urgent medical assistance or to simply learn more about your community urgent care center, contact Physicians Urgent Care.

Sources: http://www.nsc.org/act/events/Pages/national-safety-month.aspx

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