How to Treat Cuts

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By Cheryl Hinkson
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Anyone who has experienced a small cut knows that they can be very painful and upsetting for a minute but then easily forgotten. But don't let the fact that the pain fades quickly stop you from treating a cut quickly and efficiently or you may pay the price with an infection or even tetanus. Thoroughly cleaning and wrapping a cut can save you thousands in medical bills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Soap & Water
Sterile Gauze & Bandage

Step 1

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly:

Washing your hands will prevent any new contaminants from being introduced to the cut. Soap and water will clean your hands just as efficiently as any of the germ fighting preparations on the market and you will not introduce alcohol to the cut.
Step 2

Clean The Skin Around The Cut With Soap and Water:

Wiping away from the cut be sure to clean the area surrounding the cut completely with soap and water. You may cause some pain but it is important that the area be cleaned thoroughly and all contaminants are washed away from the wound.
Step 3

Wash The Cut and Flush With Water:

Actually washing the cut with soap and water will hurt for a minute but you need to be sure that all possible debris is removed to prevent infection. After cleaning the cut completely flush it with water.
Step 4

Pat the Cut Dry And Cover The Wound:

Using a sterile gauze pad pat the cut dry and then cover it with a clean pad and bandage or adhesive tape. Covering the cut will help prevent infection. You can air the cut after 24 hours but for the first full day the cut should be completely covered to speed healing.
Step 5

Check to See When the Last Tetanus Shot was Received:

With any wound there is a danger of tetanus but the danger is especially strong in deep, extensive or dirty wounds. So always ask if the person you are treating has received a tetanus toxoid shot or booster. And recommend contacting a doctor immediately if they have never received the shot or if they are unsure of when the last shot was received.
Step 6

Warn Of Infection Signs:

Signs of infection may not appear for several days but if the wound is hot to the touch, reddened and painful or a red streak radiates from the cut or any chills or fever is experienced they should contact a doctor immediately. Aggressive treatment of infection with the help of a medical professional is the best treatment you can recommend after an infection becomes apparent.