Educate Patients About First Aid Kit Essentials

Using OTC First Aid Products for Self-Treatment of Minor Wounds and Burns

Minor wounds such as abrasions (scrapes and scratches), lacerations (cuts and punctures), or minor burns are common; therefore, it is critical to be prepared to manage these injuries properly and to have an adequate supply of recommended first aid products readily available. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the American Red Cross, around 60% of American households have an emergency kit, but only 32% of those kits are fully stocked, suggesting many are unprepared to treat wounds and burns effectively.¹

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An abundance of literature has indicated that prompt and appropriate wound and burn care is essential to promote proper healing, prevent or diminish the incidence of secondary bacterial infections, and reduce the incidence of scarring.^2-4 Research reveals that local factors such as diminished tissue perfusion and oxygenation, infection, wound characteristics or type of injury, inadequate moisture in the wound care environment, and the presence of necrotic tissue can delay or impair the healing process.^2,3 Examples of systemic factors that may affect the healing process include advanced age (> 60 years); stress; smoking; obesity; alcoholism; inadequate nutrition; being immunocompromised; certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe anemia, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure; and certain medications (corticosteroids, antineoplastics, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antirheumatoid drugs, nicotine, vasoconstrictors, and antimicrobials).^2,3

Types of Wounds and Burns

Evaluating the type and severity of a wound or burn is critical for determining the suitable care protocol and whether self treatment is appropriate. Wounds are typically classified by their acuity and depth.^2,4,5

• Acute wounds include abrasions and lacerations, which usually result from trauma and heal within a month with proper care in healthy adults. Abrasions are injuries to the epidermis caused by rubbing or friction.^2,4,5 Lacerations are caused by blunt forces splitting the skin or sharp objects cutting through multiple skin layers. Generally, if these acute wounds do not extend beyond the dermis, self-care is appropriate.² With proper care, acute wounds generally heal within 1 month.²
• Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal appropriately through the normal stages of tissue and show no signs of healing progress within 30 days. These wounds should always receive immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as infection.²
• Only superficial and some superficial partial-thickness wounds and burn injuries are appropriate for self-treatment.² Individuals with deeper wounds and burns, such as chemical or electrical burns, should always be referred for medical evaluation and treatment.²

Pharmacists should emphasize proper wound care protocols such as washing hands before touching the injury, stopping bleeding if needed, cleaning and treating the area, and protecting the wound when appropriate with a bandage or sterile gauze.^2,4,5 Pharmacists can also encourage patients to seek medical attention if wounds do not heal or show signs of infection. They can also remind patients about recommended wound care practices, such as moist wound care, which is the standard of care to optimize healing and minimize complications, according to the American Pharmacists Association’s Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs.² Additionally, pharmacists can determine the suitability of self-treatment and refer patients to their primary health care provider for immediate medical care when self-treatment is inappropriate (see Table²) to avoid further complications.²

Nonprescription First Aid Products

In general, wound and burn care treatment aims to promote healing, prevent infection or further complications, provide physical protection, and minimize the incidence of scarring. There are a host of nonprescription first aid products available for the self-treatment of minor wounds such as scrapes, scratches, cuts, and burns, including topical antibiotics (ie, bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B sulfate), wound irrigants, wound antiseptics, skin protectants, local anesthetics, and various types of bandages, including medicated bandages with topical antibiotics and products that aid in reducing the appearance of scars.²

In addition, bandages are available in various formulations such as waterproof, liquid bandage form, and latex-free for those with allergies. If appropriate and no contraindications or drug-drug interactions are present, some providers may recommend that patients reporting pain associated with a minor burn or wound may benefit from taking an OTC nonsteroidal painkiller or acetaminophen on a short-term basis.²

During counseling, pharmacists can also suggest that patients always have a first aid kit handy in case of emergencies. Patients should regularly check the items in the kit to ensure they are not expired or in need of replenishment. Although many premade first aid kits are available with essential items, patients can also assemble their own kits. The American Red Cross recommends that a first aid kit contain the following items for wound/burn care: absorbent compress dressings, adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), adhesive cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipe packets, an emergency blanket, instant cold compress, a pair of nonlatex gloves, hydrocortisone ointment, gauze roll bandage, roller bandage, sterile gauze pads, oral thermometer, triangular bandages, tweezers, and emergency first aid instructions.6 There is also a helpful free first aid mobile app from the American Red Cross called First Aid: American Red Cross.

REFERENCES

1. New data reveals how prepared Americans are for an emergency at home and on the road. UMA Technology. January 8, 2025. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://umatechnology.org/new-data-reveals-how-prepared-americans-are-for-an-emergency-at-home-and-on-the-road/?-form=MG0AV3

2. Stelter N. Minor burns, sunburns and wounds. In: Krinsky D, Berardi R, Ferreri S, et al, eds. Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. 20th ed. American Pharmacists Association; 2021.

3. Guo S, Dipietro LA. Factors affecting wound healing. J Dent Res.2010;89(3):219-229. doi:10.1177/0022034509359125

4. Burns: how to help. American Red Cross. Accessed January 9, 2025.https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/burns

5. Wounds. American Red Cross. Accessed January 9, 2025. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/wounds

6. Make a first aid kit. American Red Cross. Accessed January 9, 2025.https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html?form=MG0AV3