Healing Cuts, Scrapes, and Bruises with Household Items

Sanitize a cut

You just got a nasty cut on your hand, but don’t have anything to clean it out with before you put the bandage on. Luckily, there’s something in your medicine cabinet that you may not have thought of—mouthwash. The alcohol-based formula for mouthwash was originally used as an antiseptic during surgeries, so it will definitely work for your cut, too.

A sweet treatment

Honey has a long history of healing, dating back to at least Roman times. Modern-day medical experts agree that it’s effective as an antibacterial ointment that also provides a moist, protective barrier—perfect conditions for skin healing. Just dab a little on!

Paper cut relief

Instantly ease the sting of a paper cut with a bit of white glue. Just dab a small amount onto the area. Once it dries, it creates a liquid-bandage barrier that will seal out germs and make it hurt less.

Easier splinter removal

Got a splinter you can’t get out? Try soaking the area in vegetable oil for several minutes. It should soften your skin enough to allow you to ease the splinter out.

Stick it to splinters

The easiest way to remove a splinter? Just put a drop of white glue over the offending piece of wood in your finger, let it dry, and then peel off the dried glue. The splinter will stick to the glue and come right out.

Keep cayenne nearby! Just a little cayenne powder alone or mixed with hot water can help stop bleeding fast.

Keep finger bandages dry

You put a Band-Aid on your finger to cover up a scratch, but you still have to go through your day full of hand-washing, child-bathing, and dishes-doing. To keep the bandage dry while you work, cover it with a non-inflated balloon—any color will do!

Make ripping off band-aids painless

Before removing a bandage from your child’s skin, douse the area with baby oil. The baby oil will soak into the bandage and make it easy to remove without hurting her.

Instant hand sanitizer

To avoid spending money on expensive hand sanitizers, make your own at home with these ingredients:

• 2 cups aloe vera gel

• 2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol

• 4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (available online and at health food stores)

• 10 drops eucalyptus oil

Mix the ingredients well and use like you would the commercially made version.

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