Wounds and Bleeding
Injury from cuts and scrapes is one of the most common minor injuries requiring First-Aid that has to be treated promptly and appropriately. While this type of injury does not always require urgent care or a trip to the health care provider or emergency department, serious complications such as infection and delayed healing can easily occur without proper treatment.
Guidelines for treating Cuts and Scrapes
- Stop the bleeding
Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If they don't, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If the blood spurts or continues to flow after 20 to 30 minutes of pressure, seek medical assistance.
- Clean the wound
Rinse out the wound with clear water. Try to keep soap out of the actual wound because it can irritate the wound. If dirt or debris remains in the wound after washing, use tweezers cleaned with alcohol to remove the particles. If debris remains embedded in the wound after cleaning, see your health care provider. Thorough wound cleaning reduces the risk of tetanus. To clean the area around the wound, use soap and a washcloth. There's no need to use hydrogen peroxide, iodine or an iodine-containing cleanser - these substances irritate living cells. If you choose to use them, don't apply them directly on the wound
- Apply an antibiotic cream
After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin to help keep the surface moist. The products don't make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage infection and allow your body's healing factors to close the wound more efficiently. Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
- Dress or cover the wound
Exposure to air speeds healing, but bandages can help keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. Cover blisters that are draining until a scab forms.
- Change the wound dressing
hange the dressing at least daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. If you're allergic to the adhesive used in most bandages, switch to adhesive-free dressings or sterile gauze and paper tape. These supplies generally are available at pharmacies.
- Seek medical-professional help if stitching is needed
A wound that cuts deeply through the skin or is gaping or has jagged edges and has fat or muscle protruding may require stitches. A strip or two of surgical tape may hold a minor cut together, but if you can't easily close the mouth of the wound, see your health care provider. Proper closure also minimizes scarring.
- Get a Tetanus shot
Health care providers recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your wound is deep or dirty and your last shot was more than 5 years ago, your health care provider may recommend a tetanus shot booster. Get the booster within 48 hours of the injury.
- Watch for signs of infection
See your health care provider if the wound isn't healing or you notice any redness, drainage, warmth or swelling.