Rubbing can scratch the cornea or push an object deeper. No matter how strong the urge — keep the hands away.
Tilt head with affected eye facing down. Pour a gentle stream of clean water from the inner corner (near nose) to outer. For chemicals, rinse for a full 20 minutes.
Blink repeatedly to try to flush it with tears. Look in a mirror, pull down the lower lid. A moistened corner of a clean tissue can gently remove a particle on the white of the eye or inner lid.
If a particle is stuck, there is visible injury, or the eye remains painful after rinsing — cover loosely with a clean dry cloth and seek medical care.
Go to urgent care or ER for: chemical splash, vision changes, any stuck or penetrating object, persistent pain after rinsing, or any cut to the eye.
Nosebleeds look far scarier than they are. Nearly all of them stop on their own with patience and the right position.
Most head bumps are minor. Knowing exactly what to watch for turns anxiety into readiness. You're doing the right thing by checking.
Dental pain is exhausting and very real. Here's how to manage it and exactly what to do — even if a tooth has been knocked out.
Guidance only — in any emergency, call 911.