Wednesday 23 November 2016

Treating Minor Cuts & Scrapes



Minor cuts and scrapes are always a part of daily life. These small hazards can be caused by a cut on your finger, fall on your knee or minor abrasions.

If a wound is deep with heavy bleeding, you should get immediate medical attention, as it requires proper cleansing, antiseptic precautions and dressing. However, if an injury is a minor cut or scrape, here are the things you can do:

1) Cleansing
First and foremost, wash your hands with mild soap and lukewarm water, and then wash the cut or scrape under the running water to get rid of dirt and debris. Use an antiseptic soap to clean the injury. There is no need of using strong cleansing agents containing iodine, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Plain water is enough to clean the wound.

2) Cease the bleeding
Usually, minor cuts and scrapes bleeding for a few seconds and stop on their own. Certain areas of the body that are rich in blood vessels may bleed for some time. All you need to do is gently apply some pressure on the wound with a sterilised cotton or gauze. Hold it for a few minutes until bleeding ceases.

3) Apply an antibacterial or antiseptic cream
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream or ointment to prevent an infection. Remember, an antibiotic cream does not enhance the wound healing process. If you experience any rash or itching after application, clean the wound and stop using the cream.

4) Dress the wound
Small bandages and plasters help keep the affected part clean and prevent the invasion of bacteria. If the wound is very small, you can leave it uncovered. You need to change the dressing at least once in a day. Make sure the dressing does not get wet or dirty. More importantly, use sterilised first aid products such as cotton, gauze, paper tape or bandages.

5) Watch for any signs of infection
If you experience pain and notice redness, swelling, warmth, abnormal discharge or red streaks, immediately see your GP. These are the signs of infection and you need appropriate medical intervention to heal the wound.

Within a few days, minor cuts and scrapes will lead to a scab and small scar. Once the scab is formed, there is no need to dress the wound.

To manage a small cut or scrape, you need first aid treatment that includes medicated creams or sprays, antiseptics, sterilized cotton and gauze, and bandages or plasters. More importantly, you may need a tetanus injection, so see your GP.

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