// BLOG
Treating Skin Wounds at Home
March 21, 2012
When fingers are cut and knees are scraped, apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding (with the exception of a puncture wound, which should be allowed to bleed as part of the cleansing process). Next, run cool running water over the wound, but only use soap on the surrounding skin. Then, apply petroleum jelly and seal the wound with an adhesive bandage. The application of bacitracin, neomycin, or similar antibiotic cream or ointment is unnecessary if the wound is clean. These topical treatments, along with antiseptics such as rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, can actually damage skin and retard healing. As far as super-gluing a wound closed, leave any necessary suturing to the professionals.
P.S. While treating wounds with honey dates back to ancient times, only Manuka honey (which is made from certain flowers in Australia and New Zealand) is effective for serious burns and wounds.
Are Acne Meds Linked with Sore Throats?
March 6, 2012
It is possible that young adults taking oral antibiotics for the treatment of acne may also develop sore throats? While researchers are at a loss to explain exactly why, it seems that long-term use of antibiotics may throw off the balance of bacteria in the throat, resulting in the proliferation of problematic bacteria. So far, researchers have been unable to link the increased risk of sore throats to a particular type of bacteria. Owing to the fact that upper respiratory tract infections are fairly mild and self-limiting, many patients conclude that the benefits of taking antibiotics (most commonly, tetracyclines) for acne outweigh the risk of developing a sore throat. Oral antibiotics remain a tried-and-true method of effectively treating acne.
P.S. The abovementioned risk of sore throat among antibiotic users does not include the use of topical antibiotics used to treat acne.