When to go to the ER?



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“In case you didn't know, dead people don't bleed. If you can bleed-see it, feel it-then you know you're alive. It's irrefutable, undeniable proof. Sometimes I just need a little reminder.”

― Amy Efaw, After



The relief is palpable when u cut, punch , burn.... you can finally breathe again, stop thinking for just that one single blessed moment, feel free and in control.... and the next moment you realize you might have taken it too far. The bleeding doesn't stop, the bruises keep spreading, the burn doesn't heal and then you panic.

Although self harmers are often aware of the limits, there are times when the control is lost or the blade slips just a little too much, the punches become a little too hard. So today, let us talk about what home remedies you can use and when to go to the ER.


BURNS

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Home Remedies:
1. Cold water/ cool pack
2. Honey
3. Aloe Vera
4. Burn/ antiseptic ointments


Go to the ER when:
1. the burns are large or too deep.
2. If you can see white or charred skin.
3. If the burn leads to blisters
4. If the burn was caused by chemicals or electrical appliances.
5. The burn gets worse instead of better.
6. If there are any fluids like pus leaking from the burn.





BRUISES

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Home Remedies:
1. Ice Therapy
2. Heat treatment
3. Elevation
4. Compression
5. Aloe Vera


Go to the ER when:
1. It causes your limb to become numb.
2. It causes loss of function of a join/limb/muscle.
3. The bruise keeps growing in size.
4. It recurs again or lasts for more than 2 weeks.
5. Causes vision impairment.




CUTS

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Home Remedies:
1. Clean it and apply antiseptics.
2. Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
3. Cover with sterile bandage.
4. Apply Aloe Vera or Petroleum Jelly.


Go to the ER when:
1. The cut is deep.
2. The object used was dull/rusted.
3. If fat, bone or tissue is visible.
4. Leaking of fluids like pus from the wound.
5. Redness/ Swelling persists and/or gets worse.
6. The bleeding does not stop.



All points mentioned in the above discussion have been taken from the URL's that follow them and are all from reputable resources. 

Self Harm is a real problem and while you can easily treat the physical hurt, the mental one is the one which takes the longest time to heal. Talk to someone, friend, sibling, partner, parent or even a professional. 

You can also write to us in the comments section below in case of any queries.

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