Your First Aid Kit May Be Expired
If it’s been years since you got your first aid kit, let me congratulate you on a long string of good luck. But in an attempt to help you continue your streak, let me also say this: you should check your kit and make sure none of its items are expired. Some products in the standard first aid kit either have an expiration date or lose their effectiveness over time. Here is a list of how often you should replace items in a Red Cross-approved first aid kit .
Bandages. Bandages usually don’t have an expiration date per se, but they lose their effectiveness over time. According to safety equipment supplier EFAS , old bandages lose their tack, absorbency, and sterility. To avoid this, it is recommended to replace them every three to five years.
Antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic ointments such as Polysporin and Neosporin usually have an expiration date printed on the bottle, which varies from brand to brand. According to Consumer Reports , antibiotic ointment can be used up to a year after the expiration date, but if you want to be safe, do exactly as directed on the package.
Antiseptic wipes. Antiseptic wipes don’t usually have an expiration date, but they do have a manufacturing date. Wipes are recommended to be used within twelve months from the date of their manufacture, otherwise they will lose their effectiveness. A good rule of thumb is that if the wipes are dry, it’s time to replace them.
Aspirin. Much has already been said about the legality of aspirin/ibuprofen expiration dates , but we are not going to re-dispute this. Aspirin is believed to expire five years after its date of manufacture , but Bayer does not recommend taking it longer as it may lose its effectiveness.
Instant cold compresses. An instant cold compress can come in handy during a medical incident, but only if it’s still effective. Instant cold compresses usually have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months, after which they are less effective .
Hydrocortisone ointment. Hydrocortisone ointment, better known as cortisone cream, has a shelf life of about two years from the date of manufacture. You should check any old creams for discoloration or bad odors. Dr. Kelly Reynolds of the University of Arizona told Men’s Health: “Wherever there is a high moisture content, such as in creams, you have more room for bacteria to grow. Eventually the preservatives wear off, so the bacteria can multiply.”
Sterile gauze pads. There is no expiration date for sterile gauze pads, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace old ones. According to the University of Texas Medical Branch , you should replace any sterile gauze pads if the integrity of the package is compromised.