CUTS AND GRAZES

‘clean all wounds using just water first,’ says Julia kelsall, a paramedic and urgent care practitioner at Wokingham medical centre in Berkshire. ‘then apply dressings to stem bleeding and prevent infection.’ she recommends:

DRESSINGS

sainsbury’s non-adherent dressing pads, pack of five, £1 YoU soak and use these to clean a wound — don’t use cotton wool, as it disintegrates and fibres can get into a wound. once the wound is cleaned, apply a fresh, dry dressing and secure it with a bandage. Buy several of different sizes.

STRETCH BANDAGE

Boots stretch bandage, 4m, £1.49 This holds dressings in place on wounds. secure with tape.

TAPE

Boots microporous tape, 10m, £3.99 sECUrEs dressings and can be used as a plaster on small cuts.

PLASTERS

Boots fabric plasters, pack of 20, £1.49 FABriC plasters adhere better than plastic ‘waterproof’ ones. Ensure the area around the wound is dry, and don’t touch the pad so you don’t contaminate it. Choose a selection with a variety of sizes.

STERI STRIPS

skin closure strips, eight strips, £2.99, lloydspharmacy.com ThEsE help to heal straight, slim cuts such as those made by a knife. The adhesive strips keep the two sides of the wound together while fresh skin forms.

BLISTER PLASTERS

compeed blister plasters, pack of five, £3.51, boots.com iT’s worth paying a little bit extra for Compeed because the plasters have padding that cushions the blister as it heals and they are extremely adhesive, so rarely come off.

DISPOSABLE GLOVES

Boots non-latex hygiene gloves, pack of ten, £2.50 DisposABlE gloves will ensure that you don’t transfer germs to or from your hands if you are treating someone else’s wound. Discard after use.