Top 9 Medical Items To Keep In Your Handbag

Things go in and disappear into the nothingness, never to be seen again. But I’m working on changing that… I swear.

One of the things I’ve been trying to do is keep useful things in my bag in an organised way. Considering that I am both clumsy and forgetful, a small medicine pouch has been at the top of my list to include. So, I’ve been compiling a list of all the things that are great to keep in one of these medical pouches. Ideal for a handbag, but also perfect to stash in the car, I hope this least helps you to avoid getting caught without next time.

Painkillers

As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing worse than hunting for painkillers when you’re feeling the pain. Whether it’s a sneaky headache, or a case of the lady-cramps, I become exceptionally useless when in pain. Yep, my pain tolerance is more or less nil, and so unsurprisingly I think it’s a great idea to always have painkillers on hand.

Don’t go overboard though, a grid of over the counter pain relief is more than enough. No need to put the entire box in your handbag, just keep it stocked up for the next time you’re in need.

Contraception

If you take daily contraception, and you’re even half as forgetful as me, it pays to keep a few spare pills in your handbag. I can’t even remember the number of times I’ve walked out the door without taking it, only to realise later while I’m at work with no pills on hand. Although it will mess with your printed days on the package (if you use them), having some contraceptives in the bag means you won’t be putting yourself at risk of an unwanted pregnancy, and unnecessary stress.

Sanitary Items

Ladies, if you aren’t carrying these with you, you’re either pregnant, enjoying the wonders of menopause, or totally crazy. In my mind there’s nothing more annoying that stopping at the shops to grab some tampons in the frantic mood, making it clear to all watching that you’ll be using them right away. So, save yourself the trouble and stash a couple in the handbag, just in case Aunty Flo pops around.

Antihistamines

Lots of things can set off allergies, and even people who don’t suffer from allergies may find themselves in the middle of an unexpected allergic reaction. Every pharmacy stocks a range of over the counter antihistamines, and they’re too useful not to have in your handbag. It doesn’t matter if you’re coming up in hives or your little one is having a sneezing fit from cut grass, these will offer relief, fast.

Bandaids & Wound Care

Remember when I said I was clumsy? I wasn’t kidding. I once accidently chopped the top of my thumb of making a surprise birthday dinner for a housemate. I think it’s safe to say that was a surprise she never saw coming.

But in all honesty, if you’re putting together a list of must-haves for your handbag, a couple of bandaids and a few antiseptic wipes should be close to the top. They’re so useful, and if you have kids you just know you’ll be using them.

Antacids

If you’ve got a problem stomach antacids could save your life. Anyone who has ever eaten something that just hasn’t quite sat right will know what I mean. Well, why rush home to treat your pain and bloating when your handbag can offer an easy solution? Pharmacies often sell ‘on-the-go’ antacid single serve pouches that can be easily stored in a handbag for a later emergency.

Anti-Diarrhoea

There are some things you never want to be prepared for, but they’ll still hit you at some point anyway. Diarrhea is one of those things, and nasty though it might be, there’s no reason to ignore a simple solution. If you’re having stomach problems, and you’re out and about, having some anti-diarrhea medication in your handbag can be saviour. This is another top tip for mums and bubs, and it’s worth asking your doctor for a child-friendly alternative if your little one has a sensitive stomach.

Hand Sanitiser

Not exactly a medical must-have, but certainly a good idea to keep in your handbag, is some hand sanitizer. We’ve all walked into bathrooms and found not a drop of soap in the dispenser. So why not keep something in your bag to make sure you aren’t spreading germs?

Water

There are a lot of different medications that are smart to keep in your handbag, but one of the best is a natural remedy: water. A regular intake of water can reduce the risk of sunstroke, dehydration, bloating and other similar conditions. Being hydrated can also help you get over an illness you already have. A small bottle of water, regularly refilled, is all that you need, and considering the benefits, it’s worth the space.