Aussie nurse shares the ‘life saving’ pen trick everyone should know about

Aussie nurse shares the ‘life saving’ pen trick everyone should know about
  • PublishedMay 4, 2024

‘This saved my child’s life the other day.’

A nurse has shared the simple “life-saving” pen trick everyone should know about.

Paediatric nurse Sarah Hunstead, who runs Australia’s children’s safety page called CPR Kids, suggested outlining a rash, bite or spot with a black pen to help you determine whether it’s spreading or not.

According to Healthdirect Australia, most rashes are harmless and will go away without treatment — but some are more serious, and need to be checked and treated by a doctor immediately.

If you or a child notice a red mark, Hunstead said you should use a pen to draw around the area so you can see how far or how quickly it spreads outside the line.

“Need to know whether a rash, bite, or spot is spreading?” the nurse said in an Instagram post.

An Australian nurse has shared the simple ‘life-saving’ pen trick everyone should know about. 
An Australian nurse has shared the simple ‘life-saving’ pen trick everyone should know about.  Credit: CPR Kids

“Grab a pen, circle around the outside, and check it again later. This is an easy way of being able to tell whether something is spreading or not.

“Remember: ‘Outline with pen, then check it again’.”

Her video has been viewed more than 23,000 times — with one mum sharing: “So smart! This saved my child’s life the other day.”

Others thanked the nurse for sharing her “important” and “valuable” advice.

If you or your child has a rash as well as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the tongue and throat, dizziness or collapse, call triple-0 and ask for an ambulance.

Healthdirect Australia states the treatment of rashes depends on the cause and severity of the rash.

Most rashes in children are viral rashes and need no specific treatment as they will get better on their own.

Other rashes may need treatment with one or more medicines, including:

  • prescription creams, such as steroid, antibiotic or antifungal creams
  • oral antibiotics or antiviral medicines
  • other oral medicines, such as antihistamines, steroids or other medicines that suppress the immune system
  • moisturising creams and lotions

Rarely, some people experience a severe allergic reaction to being bitten or stung by an insect.

In cases of severe allergic reaction, the whole body can react within minutes to the bite or sting which can lead to anaphylaxis, which is serious and can be fatal.

If you think someone is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), call triple-0 immediately.

SOURCE: 7NEWS

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