How to Treat Minor Cuts

Minor cuts happen even when we are careful. Treating such cuts properly is important to prevent any infection which can delay the healing process and sometimes lead to other serious maladies. Following are some steps to treat minor cuts and speed up the healing process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Apply pressure on the cut immediately to prevent further bleeding.
2. Wash the area with a mild soap and warm clean water. Be sure to clean out all debris or articles that are on the wound. You can also use a cotton ball dabbed with some hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the cut area after washing it clean.
3. Pat the wound dry.
4. Apply some antibiotic ointment on the cut to prevent any germs from infecting the wound.
5. Put a bandage on the wound to keep germs out.
6. Replace the bandage when it gets dirty or wet. Try using a water-proof bandage.
7. Allow the wound to heal before removing the bandage for good. Minor cuts usually heal up nicely in a couple of days.
8. Avoid exposing the healing wound to strong sunlight as it may cause a blemish.
9. Seek the help of a doctor if the cut does not heal or if it gets worse. This may be a sign that it is infected. Infected wounds are usually reddish and contain yellow pus.

Tips & Warnings

• Get a Tetanus shot when you reach the age of 10 or 11 and a booster shot every 10 years. This helps prevent other complicated illness that can result from infected cuts.
• Keep a small tube of antibiotic ointment, a small pack of alcohol pads and bandages in your purse or bag and in your car for emergency use in case you get a minor cut. This comes in very handy especially if you have young children.