First Aid & Infections
As a person who self harms quite often, dealing with infections and first aid is something I know too well. There are safe ways to self harm, not going too deep, avoiding areas with many tendons and veins etc. You don't need to be a doctor or nurse to do first aid, you only need general knowledge and practice.
I don't encourage self harm but if your going to cut, then you should know how to at least take care of your wounds. What I did and you should too is buy a first aid kit, or sterile bandages and sterile wipes. After cutting make sure the blood has stopped. (If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes it is best to go to A&E) Wrap up the wound with a tidy sterilized dressing, do not pick at the wound or peel any scabs, this can cause more scarring.
Always check over previous self injuries and check for signs of infection. Is it oozing or looking inflamed? Does it seem to be getting worse?
If so then it is best to go to your GP and talk about your wound. You can choose if you want to talk about your self harm or not.
Ask yourself these questions when looking at your wound(s);
I can't diagnose you over the internet, and no-one can assess any injury as well as a trained professional. The quality of care you may experience in different health-care settings may vary, but be bold, look after yourself, and speak out if you need any help.
The biggest rule is to never, ever, hurt yourself whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's not good when you're sober, but when you're judgement is impaired it'll much harder to recognize when you need help or when to stop.
Click here for some safer ways to self harm without cutting or burning.
I don't encourage self harm but if your going to cut, then you should know how to at least take care of your wounds. What I did and you should too is buy a first aid kit, or sterile bandages and sterile wipes. After cutting make sure the blood has stopped. (If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes it is best to go to A&E) Wrap up the wound with a tidy sterilized dressing, do not pick at the wound or peel any scabs, this can cause more scarring.
Always check over previous self injuries and check for signs of infection. Is it oozing or looking inflamed? Does it seem to be getting worse?
If so then it is best to go to your GP and talk about your wound. You can choose if you want to talk about your self harm or not.
Ask yourself these questions when looking at your wound(s);
- How does blood flow? If it's a small trickle or just tiny beads of blood, a good clean and plaster may be all you need, but if blood is 'pulsing' you may have nicked an artery which will put your health in grave danger unless you seek medical attention as a matter of urgency. See here
- How big is the injury? If it's bigger than about a 50p piece then get it checked, especially if it's a burn.
- Is it affecting a joint? If so, get it checked - you are risking the future health of that joint if it doesn't heal properly.
- Have you got something stuck in your skin? Leave it where it is, secure the area with a bandage if you need to and get some medical attention.
- Have you burnt your skin? Are your clothes sticking to the area? Leave them alone and get some help. Don't try to peel them off. You also cannot do anything about chemical burns - always seek advice if that's the case and tempting though it is..... never EVER burst any blisters. They are all part of the healing process.
- Always make sure you drink plenty of fluids - staying hydrated will help replace any lost blood.
I can't diagnose you over the internet, and no-one can assess any injury as well as a trained professional. The quality of care you may experience in different health-care settings may vary, but be bold, look after yourself, and speak out if you need any help.
The biggest rule is to never, ever, hurt yourself whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It's not good when you're sober, but when you're judgement is impaired it'll much harder to recognize when you need help or when to stop.
Click here for some safer ways to self harm without cutting or burning.