A list of items that should not be in the first aid box
-Old or expired medications
-Sharp objects such as needles or razor blades
-Alcohol
-Toxic substances
-Flammable materials
The reasons why these items should not be in the first aid box
The following list includes items that should not be kept in a first aid kit for various reasons. Some are ineffective, some become outdated quickly, and others can actually do more harm than good.
-Band-Aids: They’re not sterile, they fall off easily, and they don’t stick to hairy skin.
-Neosporin: It’s no more effective than soap and water for cleaning wounds, and it can cause allergic reactions.
-Hydrogen peroxide: It’s great for cleaning wounds, but it kills healthy cells too. Use it only if instructed by a medical professional.
-Cotton balls: They’re not sterile, they fall apart easily, and they don’t stick to wounds.
-Stitches: They’re outdated and difficult to apply properly without the help of a medical professional.
-Safety pins: They can cause more harm than good if used improperly.
-Superglue: It’s not sterile, it doesn’t adhere well to skin, and it can be toxic if ingested.
The consequences of having these items in the first aid box
You might think that any old thing will do in a first aid kit, but there are certain items that can actually do more harm than good. Before you stock your first aid kit, make sure you don’t include these four things.
- Alcohol-based products
Alcohol is a great disinfectant, so you might think it would be a good addition to your first aid kit. However, alcohol-based products can actually cause more harm than good. They can dry out your skin, making it more susceptible to infection. They can also irritate open wounds, which can lead to further injury. - Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another product that seems like it would be helpful in a first aid kit, but it can actually do more harm than good. When applied to open wounds, hydrogen peroxide can damage tissue and delay healing. It can also irritate the skin, causing pain and redness. - Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are blood thinners that prevent blood clots from forming. While they might seem like they would be helpful in an emergency situation, they can actually make bleeding worse. If you accidently cut yourself while using an anticoagulant, the bleeding will be harder to stop. - Cotton swabs
Cotton swabs seem like they would be a harmless addition to a first aid kit, but they can actually cause serious damage if used incorrectly. Cotton swabs are often used to clean out wounds, but they can actually push dirt and bacteria further into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.