How to Treat a Cut with First Aid

Cuts and scrapes happen often, especially to active children and sometimes to clumsy adults. Generally cuts can be treated at home effectively, but more severe cuts may require medical attention. Even if a cut is severe enough that it requires medical attention, knowing what to do before leaving for the ER can make a big difference. Knowing how to properly treat and care for a cut is essential to it healing properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Regardless of the severity of the cut, always stop the bleeding before proceeding with further care. Typically minor cuts and scraps will stop bleeding easily or on their own. If a cut doesn't stop bleeding on its own apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth for about 20 minutes. The pressure should be continuous, so don't lift the cloth to check if the bleed has stopped. If bleeding from a cut can not be controlled with gentle pressure or it is spurting, seek medical assistance.

2. Once you have controlled or stopped the bleeding, you will need to clean the cut. Flush the cut with clean water. Remove any debris like dirt, grass, hair etc. with sterile tweezers. You can use a mild soap to clean the area surrounding the cut, but don't get soap in the cut. Soap will only irritate the cut. Water should be adequate to remove any debris or bacteria and it won't irritate the cut.

3. After the cut is cleaned up apply a antibiotic cream like Neosporin to the cut. Initially you will cover the cut with a bandage to prevent bacteria from getting in. Make sure you change you bandage at least once daily. Once the cut begins to heal and has a layer of skin or a scab you can remove the bandage and allow the cut air.

4. There are a few clear signs that a cut requires medical intervention. If your cut is deep, has jagged edges or has fat tissue or muscle exposed you probably need stitches. A cut may also require medical attention if it becomes infected. Watch cuts carefully for signs of infection like pain, redness, swelling, puss or if the cut feels unusually warm. Additionally, if you have not had a tetanus shot in the past decade and your cut is exceptionally deep, dirty or you cut yourself on glass or metal call your doctor to get the tetanus shot right away.

[Durden]

on 4/24/2008 well in addition to stopping the bleeding.....if the cut IS deep then just applying pressure may not be sufficant.....i would suggest keeping the wouned part above the heart if possible(wound closer to ceiling and heart closer to floor)

[RFerriANP]

on 4/16/2008 May I suggest that applying another OTC antibiotic INSTEAD of Neosporin? Many people (about 25%) have an allergic reaction to Neosporin. Also, in this continued age of HIV and hepatitis infection and transmission the "rescuer" should avoid getting direct blood contact with he person who is cut. No one can simply tell who is or who isn't infected with these and other viruses.

[HillaryM]

on 4/11/2008 Well, everything that I have ever heard or read about first aid, says that you should stop the bleeding first, particularly if the bleeding is bad. I am no doctor, but that is the practice I have always used and I have no dirt or debris embedded in me, nor have I ever gotten an infected cut. That said, if you feel there is a better way to do things why not write your own how to article on the subject.

[RecklessRon]

on 4/10/2008 I'm no expert but aren't you supposed to clean the wound before applying pressure to stop the bleeding? Often it is necessary to open it wide to get out all the dirt when flushing it under water. It would seem to me that stopping the bleeding first may seal in some of the dirt, which is very bad. Any doctors in the house?

[Mariaeugenia]

on 4/10/2008 Basic information that is definately helpful when there is an Emergency. Thank you.