Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

274 • HOMEOPATHIC FIRST AIDAILMENTSPLINTERSSplinters are small pieces of wood or metal that puncture the skin.The main risk is from infection, including tetanus.ESSENTIAL TREATMENT If the splinter is protruding, remove itcarefully with tweezers. If a splinter is embedded or difficult todislodge, do not attempt to remove it. Instead, pad around it andseek medical help.CAUTION If the wound develops pus, seek medical help.NOSEBLEEDSA nosebleed is the loss of blood from the membrane liningthe inside of the nose, usually occurring only on one side.Nosebleeds are common in childhood, and are usually minorand easily stopped. They may be caused by trauma to the noseor by the weakening of blood vessels as a result of blowingthe nose too hard.ESSENTIAL TREATMENT Lean over a bowl and pinch the lower part ofthe nose for at least ten minutes, then gradually release. If thebleeding has not stopped, repeat.CAUTION If bleeding has not responded to self-help measures within20 minutes, or nosebleeds keep recurring, seek medical help. If thenose bleeds following a head injury, call 911 immediately.MINOR EYE & EAR INJURIESBoth the surface of the eye and the outer ear canal are verydelicate, and can easily be damaged by injury or the entry ofa foreign object.ESSENTIAL TREATMENT Gently wash away any dust or grit from aninjured eye with cold water. Bathe the eye with a solution ofcalendula and hypericum (see page 271). If there is pain after theremoval of a foreign object, bathe the eye with euphrasia solution(see page 271) every four hours. If there is a foreign object in theear, such as a bee or other insect, wash out the ear with a tepidsolution of calendula and hypericum.CAUTION For serious eye injuries, always seek medical help. If achemical has entered an eye, or there has been a penetratingwound, call 911. If an object is stuck in the ear and does not floatout easily when the ear is washed out, see a doctor as soon aspossible. Do not insert anything into the ear.PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Pain and tenderness remainingafter a splinter has beenremoved, or because tinyfragments of splinter remainunder the skin• Nosebleed following injury• Nosebleed following violentnose blowing• Blood is very bright red andnosebleed is accompaniedby nausea• Black eye or bruising around aneye immediately after an injury• Black eye with persistent painthat is better for applying a coldcompress or an ice pack• Persistent pain after removinga foreign object from an eye• Persistent pain after removinga foreign object from an earREMEDY & DOSAGESilica(see page 97)6c 4 times dailyup to 14 daysArnica(see page 37)6c every 2 minutesup to 10 dosesPhosphorus(see page 94)6c every 2 minutes up to 10 dosesIpecac.(see page 45)6c every 2 minutesup to 10 dosesArnica(see page 37)6c every 2 hoursup to 4 dosesLedum(see page 152)6c every 2 hoursup to 10 dosesEuphrasia(see page 142)6c every 2 hoursup to 3 dosesHypericum(see page 148)30c half-hourlyup to 10 doses• Postoperative pain when aforeign object has been surgicallyremoved from an earArnica(see page 37)30c every 4 hoursup to 6 doses