| These are also known as scrapes. Immediate care
for an abrasion is to flush and wound with hydrogen peroxide. Be sure
to gently remove debris if any is present. Make sure to use an
antibiotic to keep the wound moist. Cover the wound with non-stick
gauze and tape or a band-aid. Lacerations are the tearing of the skin
which results in an open wound with jagged edge. This type of cut
there will be more blood than with an abrasion. When you can soak
the wound in hydrogen peroxide to loosen any foreign material. Remove
the material and apply antibiotic and cover with a sterile dressing.
Usually you need to go to the doctor after a laceration because
stitches may be needed and chance of infection is high.
An incision is the cutting of the skin which results in a clean
cut. Most of the time it will bleed. Clean the wound with soap and
water and or hydrogen peroxide. Minor incisions can be closed with a
butterfly bandage or stei-strips. You should apply a non-stick
sterile dressing to the wound. If the incision is large or on the
face be sure to see a doctor for a determination if stitches are
needed. A puncture wound is the direct penetration of tissues by a
pointed object such as a nail, pencil, knife or other sharp object .
If the object is deep in the skin protect the body part and call 911
or go to the doctor or hospital. You should also be aware that shock
could occur, so be prepared. If you can remove the item clean around
the wound and allow the blood to flow freely some to minimize the risk
of infection. After cleaning the wound, apply a sterile dressing. Be
sure to check with a doctor, because most puncture wounds can become
infection.
You need to stay clean have good hygiene when camping out or hiking.
To clean your hands take along a anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, You
can also take rubbing alcohol it works the same and does not cost as
much.
You can wash socks in some broken or mashed up pine needles to make
them smell better. You can use stream or lake water and set them out to
dry. Make sure if your hiking that you keep your socks dry wet socks
can cause blisters .Make sure to take along fresh water or some water purifying tablets or
iodine tablets they can be used to disinfect cuts and scrapes in
remote areas clean water is a necessity.
When you wash your clothes hang them in the sunshine and let them
air dry. If you go swimming you can swim with your clothes on this will
also get them clean.
If you take soap along make sure it is biodegradable and try and keep
it dry so that it does not get into your clothes and food. If you have
it in a backpack there are many soap containers that are water proof
or put it in a sealed plastic bag. If you wash up in a lake or stream
be careful not to use shampoo or soap that can contaminate the water.
The same goes for brushing your teeth use a biodegradable tooth paste
or baking soda ,try and think green when camping or hiking. The same
goes when you have to use the bathroom there is biodegradable toilet
paper that can be bought and kept in a dry container.
You should take along a first aid kit or a book on surviving in the
wilderness .There is nothing wrong with reading how to take care of
yourself if you have problems when camping or hiking. Keep some
matches in a dry container for starting a emergency fire if your
lost. You should take along a compass and learn how to use it. Most of
these tips are for camping or hiking in the deep woods. Being prepared
is always better then not knowing what you are doing especially if you
hike or camp where there is no contact with other people. Most cell
phones don't work in the deep woods but take one along and keep it
turned off to save the battery. Always let someone know where you will
be located and the time you will be done.
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