Cuts and scrapes may be the simplest types of an open wound. Though not really threatening they could still get infected. Some cuts maybe deep and long that may require stitching to close them up. Not only kids are prone to these types of wound but adults as well. It's best to know what to do to take care of minor injuries such as these and avoid infection. Here are the safest steps and tips to treat them.
How To Treat Cuts And Scrapes
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What People Say
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How To / Instruction
Difficulty: Normal
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Step
1Before getting into the task of touching or cleaning the wound be sure to wash your hands first with soap and water or better yet disinfect. By doing so you prevent getting more dirt and germs into the wound that may cause infection.
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2Clean the wound with soap and water or just running water will do since soap has stinging effect.
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3You could also use a clean ball of cotton dip into the water to clean the wound and its surrounding area.
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4After cleaning the wound specifically for cuts examine if the cut is deep or is in need of stitching before applying anything to the wound.
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5After applying a solution or an antiseptic ointment that is best for these types of wound, cover the wound with a gauze and bandage to keep the wound clean. If it's a smaller wound a band aid will do.
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6Be sure to change bandages regularly, and appropriately in order to promote recovery.
Tips and Warnings
If you think that the wound is deep and is bleeding it is always advisable to wear surgical gloves.
Clean and get all the dirt that you can see in and the surrounding area of the wound.
If you don't know the person you're giving first aid to be sure to wear surgical gloves to avoid direct contact with blood especially if you have small cuts or a small wound on your hands as well that way you also get to protect yourself.
For deep cuts it's advisable to seek professional help.
Keep the wound moist. This will help speed up the healing process.
Posted 2011-04-03
Good tip from preventing an infection.
Posted 2011-04-03
I'm always so clumsy :) 10x.
Posted 2011-04-07
Great tips for preventing infection, and increasing ones risk for tri[ps to the hospital from easily treated scrapes or cuts.
Posted 2011-04-07
With little kids you always have to be ready to treat scrapes and bruises, thank you for the tips.
Posted 2011-04-07
Being a little clumsy, I am always getting cuts and bruises. I have never thought about using a ball of cotton to clean my wounds. Now that it was mentioned it sounds like a better idea then just rubbing it in with napkin or paper towel. Thanks for saving me the trouble of irritating my wounds even more by harsh rubbing with the rough paper towel.
Posted 2011-04-09
Best if you can get a first aid kit at home, then learn what each item in the kit does.
Posted 2011-04-09
It's also a good idea to have a small first aid kit at home or in the car when little accidents happen.
Posted 2011-04-11
The best advice steps to cleaning a wound. This is great to know for emergency situations when going camping, going for a hike or even stranded in the woods. As long as you have the right equipment these are steps easy to follow.
Posted 2011-04-11
The best advice is cleaning that wound. It doesn't matter with what. Even bland water is good, if you don't have soap. Then, if the would is small you could just let it get air, as it will cauterise faster.
Posted 2011-04-12
I really like this article; it is simple yet comprehensive and all-including. It has the basic and necessary steps on how to properly clean and take care of a wound, and the steps follow each other in a correct order. I give it a plus for giving us precautions, such as wearing gloves to protect ourselves.
Posted 2011-04-13
I'd refrain from using soap....use a disinfectant like iodine instead, if u don't have that then just clean it under running water.
Posted 2011-08-13
Treating minor cuts and scrapes is something everyone should know how to do, as taking the simple steps necessary to do so can prevent infection and other more serious situations from developing. In most situations, minor cuts and scrapes can be effectively and successfully treated with the most basic of supplies.