Are you keeping medications that you believe are helpful but in reality, they either do nothing or cause more harm than good? Let’s talk more about that. Because it is time you knew about the medicines you have in your cabinets or other items that you believe are safe. That is because there are many household items that may be toiletries that are not recommended for use. And even if the medications you are taking are safe or prescribed, you still do not want to store them in medicine cabinets.
Let’s go over the 10 things that nurses will never keep in their medicine cabinets.
Your toothbrush
If your toothbrush is stored in a medicine cabinet then you are allowing microbes to grow on it due to the moisture. That will only make you sicker as you are bringing the bacteria and other microbes into your system as you use it. Always store your toothbrush in an upright position allowing it to dry.
Any Type Of Emergency Drug
If you have insulin or rescue inhalers, or glucose pills, or nitroglycerine tablets, as well as EpiPens in medicine cabinets, you can easily forget to bring them wherever you go. Keep those in a purse that you use or a bag that you take with you when you go out.
Used razor blades
How many times have you used an old razor blade? If you have cared for it and cleaned it properly, for a limited time it is safe to shave with used razor blades. But if you use it and toss it away into your medicine cabinet, and use it again, that is dangerous. There are many forms of bacteria that grow on it and if you use it on your skin, then you are introducing those bacteria to your body. Also, never share razor blades. If you used it once, it is yours to keep.
Expired Makeup
If you are using makeup that is old and past its expiry date, then you are only hurting yourself. Expired makeup is full of bacteria and if you use it too much it can make you ill. If you are not sure how long you should use makeup, you should not use mascara and natural organic makeup for longer than six months. Eyeliner can last up to a year, and foundation, as well as lipstick, can last up to two years. The same goes for eye shadow, face powders, and blush.
Your makeup products should have an expiration date listed on the packaging, but in the event that they don’t, here is a rough guideline as to how long things should last:
- Mascara: three months to six months
- Eyeliner: six months to one year
- Foundation: two years
- Lipstick: two years
- Blush, eye shadow, face powders: one year to two years
- Natural, preservative-free cosmetics: three months to six months
Narcotics
You want to limit the use of how often you use narcotics such as codeine and oxycodone. But never leave them in the medicine cabinet where guests and your kids can get a hold of them. And when you are done with them, take them to the pharmacies as they will get rid of them in special boxes.
Medications
You should never store your prescribed medications in your medicine cabinet. The moisture and changes in temperature in your bathroom can alter its effectiveness. Always store your medications in a cool and dry setting unless specified otherwise.
Skin Care Products With Retinol And Vitamin C
If you store these skincare products in medicine cabinets, then the heat, as well as the air, will ruin them. The structures will be changed and not for the better either as chemical changes will ruin the potency of the retinol and Vitamin C. You need to store those products in dark and cool areas.
Gummy vitamins
Because your kids can easily get access to a medicine cabinet, never store gummy vitamins there. They think it is candy and overdosing on those vitamins is dangerous. Store them out of their reach and access instead.
Rubbing Alcohol Or Hydrogen Peroxide
If you are storing those agents because you think they will help clean your wound, then don’t do it. In fact, those two agents can do damage to your wound and cause healing to become delayed. What you want to do is clean your wounds with soap and water as that will help remove the bacteria and other foreign things. If wounds are deep, then you need to go to the clinic or hospital.
Liquid bandage
At first, it was recommended for you to store liquid bandages in the medicine cabinet. But the fact of the matter is that they are difficult to apply and can have unpleasant side effects such as hives and rashes, as well as severe itching or stinging. You really are better off with sticking to the traditional bandages unless you know how to apply liquid bandages.
Now you know it is time to go through your medicine cabinet to see what you can remove and store elsewhere or to toss away.
