A medicine cabinet is understood to be a collection of medicines and dressings in a private household. In case of illness or emergency, the owner can resort to the medicines.
What is a medicine cabinet?
The content of the medicine box is different for each individual. Thus, people suffer from a wide variety of diseases. As a rule, the medicine cabinet also contains medicines prescribed by the doctor. The medicine cabinet is one of the most important possessions of a household. Thus, four out of five German citizens have a place where they keep important medicines or dressing materials. The right combination of medicines and medical supplies can provide rapid assistance in the event of illness. Not every illness or injury requires the help of a doctor. Numerous aches and pains can also be treated by oneself. These primarily include colds accompanied by a cold and cough, headaches, back pain, or minor injuries such as bruises, abrasions and cuts. For this, it is important to have the right equipment in the medicine cabinet.
Forms, types and types
A medicine cabinet is understood to be a private container, place or simply the possession of medicines. Typically, a medicine cabinet is used to store medications that are used to treat minor ailments that occur frequently. Those who have children must distinguish between a medicine cabinet for children and adults. For example, children usually require different medications than adults. Therefore, a medicine cabinet for children should definitely contain bandages such as gauze bandages, adhesive plasters, compresses, gels for wounds and burns, as well as painkillers, because adolescents are often affected by injuries. A fever thermometer, antipyretics, disinfectants, medicines for colds and sore throats, and ointments for bruises and insect bites are also part of the basic kit. However, most of the medicine cabinets are used by adults. The contents of the medicine box vary from person to person. Thus, people suffer from a wide variety of diseases. As a rule, the medicine cabinet also contains medicines prescribed by the doctor. A variant is the homeopathic medicine cabinet. Homeopathic medicines are also stored in it. As a rule, a trained homeopath is required to select suitable medicines. However, complex preparations that can be used against colds, for example, are also suitable for home use. Typical homeopathic remedies for a medicine cabinet include Aconitum and Belladonna for colds, Arsenicum album for gastrointestinal disorders or Arnica for injuries. Furthermore, there is a medicine cabinet for animals. However, those who have pets such as dogs or cats should strictly separate their medicines from human medicines because of the risk of confusion.
Structure and operation
A medicine cabinet is usually a small medicine cabinet. In this cabinet, the most important medicines are stored for the case of illness or injury. In an emergency, the respective drug can then be taken out and administered. To ensure that the medicine cabinet fulfills its intended purpose, it must be checked regularly. For example, preparations whose expiration date has passed must be sorted out and disposed of immediately. The same applies to most medicines that have been used for more than six months. For example, bacteria can colonize in nasal sprays or eye drops, which then lead to illness again when used. Anyone with small children must keep their medicine cabinet out of their reach, as small children often mistake colorful pills for sweets and can be put in considerable danger as a result. The correct storage location also plays an important role in the functionality of the medicine cabinet. A cool, dry and dark room is recommended. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are not recommended because they are too humid. The bedroom, a storeroom or the hallway, for example, are considered sensible storage locations.
Medical and health benefits
The health benefits of a medicine cabinet are very high. Thus, it can provide valuable assistance in an emergency. However, it must have the right equipment.In addition to preparations prescribed by the doctor, these include medicines such as painkillers, cough syrup or cough drops, remedies for colds, antispasmodic preparations for abdominal pain or menstrual pain, and medicines for diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Also useful are ointments to accelerate wound healing, gels against insect bites such as mosquito bites or wasp stings, preparations against sunburn and itching, medicines against sore throats, preparations for treating muscle tension and strains, disinfectants and laxatives. Apart from medicines, medical accessories also belong in a medicine cabinet. These are primarily dressing materials such as gauze bandages, wound plasters, adhesive plasters, safety pins, fixation bandages, sterile compresses and a triangular cloth. A clinical thermometer is also essential. Other important items of equipment are scissors, tweezers to remove splinters, tick forceps, disposable gloves, and a cooling compress or pad. However, the latter utensils should be stored in the refrigerator. The health insurance companies recommend that you also keep a note in your medicine cabinet containing important medical telephone numbers and addresses. These include, first and foremost, the numbers of the family doctor, an emergency doctor and the poison control center. Medications in the medicine cabinet should always be kept in their original packaging. It is also important to keep the package insert so that important information can be verified.
