When Master and I play, it's very likely that there will be marks, at least temporarily. Caring for them is part of the aftercare we have set up for me.  We are pretty minimal when it comes to first aid for them because I like to keep them as long as possible.  I'm the sort of poking bruises, rubbing abrasions and pick at cuts -- just to feel a remembrance of the pain and fun we had.

But not everyone is like that. First Aid is important in the immediate aftercare of play. At play parties, first aid should be addressed and adhered to for all people. Accidental bleeding should be stopped and everyone who wants treatment for other pains and marks should get it. For me, that is usually lotion on my tender skin and that's about it.

Here's what I've been able to gather for you as far as first aid.

Welts and Bruises

Reduce bruising and swelling

  1. Ice the area on and off for the first 24-48 hours. Apply the ice for 15 minutes at a time, covering with a towel or cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.
  2. Elevate the area above the heart.

Treat the symptoms

  1. For pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin which can prolong bleeding.

Follow up

  1. Two days after a bruise develops, apply a heat pack or wash cloth soaked in warm water to the area several times a day to promote healing.
  2. Arnica cream is a homeopathic method known to speed the healing process of bruises.
  3. Pain and tenderness should get better within a few days and the bruise should go away within a couple of weeks.

Video

Bruising Concerns (free video on KinkAcademy.com) - Shay (with some enthusiastic manhandling help from Stefanos) explains what goes on with your body when your happy spanking, roughhousing, or just enthusiastic sex leads to contusions that mark the skin. She also shares the magic of RICE for curing what ails you, and encourages you to be careful but not stop the fun!

Abrasions

Abrasions are scrapes and irritated skin.

  1. Clean the area with a mild soap and water.
  2. Cover with an antibiotic ointment and a dry bandage.
  3. Change the bandage every few days

Cuts and Puncture Wounds

Stop the bleeding

  1. Apply firm pressure directly to the wound, ideally using a clean cloth or towel. You can also use a finger if nothing else is available.
  2. If the blood seeps through the cloth or towel, add more pressure.
  3. Remove pressure when the bleeding stops, usually in five to ten minutes.

Clean the wound

  1. Rinse the wound with clear water. Running tap water can be used.
  2. Remove any foreign material in the wound (such as dirt, gravel or glass) by using tweezers if necessary.
  3. Ideally, clean the wound with a sterile gauze.
  4. Avoid using cotton wool.
  5. If the bleeding restarts, apply firm pressure.
  6. Most first aid kits include sterile or antiseptic wipes which can be used to clean the wound.

Prevent infection

  1. Applying a topical antibiotic, such as Neobiotic ointment to the wound. Topical antibiotics should be applied with each dressing change, or two to three times a day if the wound is left uncovered.
  2. Cover the wound to keep it moist and to protect the topical antibiotic.

Burns

Information from familydoctor.org

  • First-degree burns are red and painful. They swell a little. They turn white when you press on the skin. The skin over the burn may peel off after 1 or 2 days.
  • Second-degree burns are thicker burns, are very painful and typically produce blisters on the skin. The skin is very red or splotchy, and may be very swollen.
  • Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves and tissue in the skin are damaged. SEE A DOCTOR IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THIRD DEGREE BURNS!

First-degree burns:

  1. Soak the burn in cool water for at least 5 minutes. The cool water helps reduce swelling by pulling heat away from the burned skin.
  2. Treat the burn with a skin care product that protects and heals skin, such as aloe vera cream or an antibiotic ointment. You can wrap a dry gauze bandage loosely around the burn. This will protect the area and keep the air off of it.
  3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (some brand names: Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (brand name: Aleve), to help with the pain. Ibuprofen and naproxen will also help with swelling.

Second-degree burns:

  1. Soak the burn in cool water for 15 to 30 minutes. If the burned area is small, put cool, clean, wet cloths on the burn for a few minutes every day. Then put on an antibiotic cream, or other creams or ointments prescribed by your doctor. Cover the burn with a dry nonstick dressing (for example, Telfa) held in place with gauze or tape. Check with your doctor's office to make sure you are up-to-date on tetanus shots.
  2. Change the dressing every day. First, wash your hands with soap and water. Then gently wash the burn and put antibiotic ointment on it. If the burn area is small, a dressing may not be needed during the day. Check the burn every day for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling or pus. If you see any of these signs, see your doctor right away. To prevent infection, avoid breaking any blisters that form.
  3. Burned skin itches as it heals. Keep your fingernails cut short and don't scratch the burned skin. The burned area will be sensitive to sunlight for up to one year, so you should apply sunscreen to the area when you're outside.

Do you have any first aid tips to share? How do you care for your marks?