what can you do to ease the pain after getting a shot?



Getting a shot may be just a pin prick that guards us against or gets rid of ailments. But it is also accompanied by pain. The pain and injury usually don't last too long and subside on their own after two days or so but it can be troublesome nevertheless, especially if you have to use the affected limb. However, there are simple ways to make sure that you don't have to deal with the pain even for those two days. Immediately after receiving the injection move your arm. Apply a cold compress to the area, immediately after your shot to reduce the inflammation and ease the pain considerably. You can also rub an ice cube at the spot for 15 minutes. The cold works anesthetizes the area thus reducing the pain and swelling. But it shouldn't be rubbed for a long time at a stretch as it can make the skin sore or result in a blister or skin abrasion. Just like the cold compress you can use a hot compress; place the heat pack 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off on the area to get relief. Witch hazel is known for its stringent properties so apply a solution made with this herb. Make sure that you use a clean cotton swab to apply the solution to the affected area to ease the pain.

You can also make use of garlic, which has allicin, an agent helpful in speeding the healing process. Apply it directly to the spot or you can include in your diet along with onions. If you are a smoker, try not to smoke till the wound is better because smoking delays the healing process by interfering with blood supply and collagen metabolism. Another aspect that many are unaware of is the role that your diet plays in the healing process. While including garlic and onion in your meals will help heal the wound faster, avoid white flour, dairy products and sugar to speed up healing even further. Turmeric is also known for its healing properties. So you can apply turmeric powder on the wound and cover it with a bandage. Sometimes there is a little bleeding after getting a shot. Applying turmeric powder also stops the bleeding. Dab a little honey on the spot of the injection as honey works as a good antiseptic and aids healing. Apply apple cider vinegar and cold water, chamomile flower, yarrow and raw egg on the wound as this will also provide relief from the pain and prevent swelling.

answered by M W

Getting a shot at any age is painful. It's a brave person who says that the thought of a painful poke will not cause them worry and trepidation. In fact the simple sight of a glistening silver needle makes me clench my teeth in anticipation of the pain to follow. So how can you reduce the pain of a shot for you and your child? Here's how-

  • Ask the doctor to prepare the needle out of sight if possible.
  • Distract your child and yourself with other interesting activities. Carry along a good book or magazine to keep your mind off the pain.
  • After the injection, immediately apply a cool compress to the area to reduce swellings and ease the pain.
  • After getting the injection use a cotton ball to apply cold witch hazel solution to the spot. Witch hazel is a strong astringent and cools the spot easing the pain.
  • Rub a piece of ice at the spot for fifteen minutes, the cold numbs the area reducing the a pain of the needle prick and post-injection swellings.

But with the latest advances in medicine, a new machine is available which forcibly pushes the medicine into the pores of skin causing minimal pain. So it wont be long when painful shots become a thing of the past.

answered by A S


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