SMALL CUTS, SCRATCHES AND PIN PRICKS

None of these injuries will usually require a doctor if properly treated
in the beginning. The bleeding from any of them is not sufficient to be
dangerous. But whenever there is a break in the skin or mucous membrane
there is danger of infection by germs, and this is what makes the first
aid treatment in these cases so important. A tiny scratch is sometimes
converted into a bad case of blood poisoning by not being properly
treated at first.

Splinters should be removed by using a needle (not a pin) which has been
sterilized by passing it through a flame (the flame of a match will do
if nothing better is at hand). After the splinter is out, the wound is
treated like a cut or scratch.

The germs which produce poisoning do not float in the air, but may be
conveyed by any thing which is not sterile, as, for instance, the
splinter or the instrument that did the cutting, scratching or pricking.
They may be carried to the scratch by our hands, by water, or cloth used
for dressings.

_Treatment_--Wash your own hands thoroughly with soap and water, using a
nail brush. Clean the injured part well with disinfectant, as, for
instance, alcohol and water, half and half, or peroxide of
hydrogen--paint the spot with iodine, and cover with sterile gauze (if
this is not to be had, use a piece of clean cloth that has been recently
ironed), and bandage in place. If the bleeding is severe, a little
pressure with the bandage over the dressing will stop it. Use the same
precautions if the wound has to be re-dressed.

4. STINGS AND BITES OF INSECTS

The poison injected by the sting or bite of an insect is usually acid,
and the part should be washed at once with a solution of ammonia or soda
(washing soda) to neutralize the poison. Then apply a paste of soda
bicarbonate (baking soda) or wet salt and bandage in place. If the sting
is left in the wound it must be pulled out before beginning treatment.

5. FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (a) EYE (Cinder) (b) EAR (Insect), (c) NOSE
(Button)

(a) _Eye_--If a cinder, eyelash, or any tiny speck gets into the eye it
causes acute pain, and in a few minutes considerable redness.

_Treatment_--Do not rub the eye, as this may press the object into the
tender cornea so that it can be removed only with difficulty and by a
physician. First close the eye gently, pull the eyelid free of the
ball, and the tears may wash out the speck. If this is not successful,
close th