How to Treat Minor Cuts

Minor cuts or injuries should not be something to stress over, but you should take care of it to avoid infection. Here are some simple methods to treat minor cuts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Wash it. If you cut yourself and are bleeding, make sure you wash it with hot water and dry it well. Placing a Band-aid is generally a good idea, but if you do not think it is worth it then at least wash it well, especially if the wound has particles in it (ex. gravel from falling off your bike).

2. Place a double or triple antibiotic ointment on it. These are cheap and can be bought at any local grocery store or pharmacy. Place a little bit on and spread it well. Don't rub it or scratch the wound, just make sure the ointment gets across the whole cut.

3. Do not scratch it. Scratching even a minor wound on your body is asking for an infection. Leave it be, even if the cut itches or is uncomfortable. Let the healing process take over so your wound scabs over.

4. Last, don't pick your healing scabs! The whole purpose of a scab is to prevent infection and begin the healing process, by scratching and picking at your scab you can reopen the wound and cause fresh bleeding which can make you susceptible again to infection, let alone scarring issues in the future.

[HowDragon]

on 11/8/2008 Solid advice, though it's hard to follow the last step. Thanks!