Backpacking is hard. For your first aid kits, it can be enough trickier as you don't want to be stuck abroad without them. They are the most valuables items you will carry and they should not be compromised when trying to lighten your pack weight.
We have listed some essentials that will aid you in an emergency. In any case, you should always consult your doctor before heading off to travel the world. Depending on the location and the condition of your trip, your physician will always give you with the best advice.
Anti-diarrheal drugs will improve comfort and prevents dehydration. (E.g. Imodium)
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory analgesic. (E.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen)
Anti-histamines for hay fever and acute allergic reactions. (E.g. Zyrtec, Benadryl)
Acetazolamide for altitude sickness.
Medications and ointment
Adhesive bandage in an assortment of sizes for any punctures, cuts, or minor scrapes.
Bandaids.
Sterile gauze pads individually wrapped.
Antiseptic wipes for cuts and lesions.
Antibiotic ointment to fights infection.
A steroid cream or cortisone (reduces swelling and itching caused by insect stings).
Wounds and injuries
Tweezers to remove a dastardly splinter or any foreign bodies from your skin.
A digital thermometer as fever is always a sign of an infection.
Q-tips.
Non-latex gloves.
Matches to sterilise needles or tweezers.
Adhesive or paper tape (Duck tape will do).
Scissors to cut tape, clothing or bandages. A pocket knife with scissors will do.
