How to Care for Superficial Wounds
Caring for superficial wounds requires the most basic of first aid treatments. Learning basic first aid techniques prepares you to treat all sorts of wounds, regardless of the cause of the injury. Remember to restock your first aid kit after you use it so it's ready the next time you need it.
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Instructions
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Clean the area. For scrapes, allow water to freely run over the area. For cuts, apply soap and water to remove dirt and kill germs that could infect the broken skin.
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Use an antibiotic ointment as a part of your first aid treatment. The antibiotic ointment will help the area heal faster and with less scarring, while helping to protect against infection. Apply the antibiotic ointment directly to the pad of a sterile bandage.
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Cover the wounded area with the bandage that has the ointment on it. Keep the wound covered during the daytime when it's likely to become dirty.
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Uncover the wound for an hour or so each day so the surface gets fresh air. Oxygen helps the wound heal. Keep the patient indoors during this time to avoid getting the area dirty.
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Check the area routinely to insure that your first aid treatment is effective. If you see redness, puffiness or swelling, consult a physician as the area may have become infected.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep a first aid kit prepared and in a handy location. Replenish your first aid kit after each use so it's fully stocked the next time you need it.
Never touch the opening of the antibiotic ointment container or you've contaminated the ointment.
