How to Bandage a Foot Cut

Bandage the foot with an elastic wrap or clean cloth.

Minor cuts and scrapes on the foot can be easily tended to at home without having to make a trip to the doctor. If you have cut your foot recently by stubbing your toe, stepping on something sharp while not wearing shoes or by another method, you most likely will have everything you need to treat the cut in your first aid kit. Bandaging the foot allows you to move freely without fear of infection.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile gauze
• Mild soap
• Clean water
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Topical antiseptic
• Elastic bandage
• Bandage tape

Instructions

1. Stop the bleeding by placing a piece of sterile gauze over the cut and applying gentle pressure. It will take about 10 minutes for the bleeding to stop on a minor cut. Once the bleeding has stopped, remove the gauze.

2. Wash the area clean with mild soap and water and pat dry. Apply hydrogen peroxide or a topical antiseptic to the cut. Place a clean piece of sterile gauze over the cut before wrapping the bandage.

3. Take the elastic bandage in one hand and begin to unravel a few inches of it with your other hand.

4. Begin to wrap the elastic bandage around the foot near the cut area while unraveling the bandage. Wrap the foot a few times in several places, such as around the foot, over the heel and around the ankle, to secure a good and comfortable hold. Overlap the bandage several times.

5. Secure the bandage with the metal clips that came with the bandage or with bandage tape.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have an elastic bandage at home, you can wrap the foot with a clean cloth and secure with tape.

• If you have a deep cut or laceration on your foot, bandage it and then see your doctor for an exam and possible stitches.

• Do not wrap the bandage too tightly or it will cut off the blood flow in your foot. If the parts of your foot that are not bandaged turn blue, your foot is wrapped too tightly and you should remove the bandage.

• If another part of your foot or leg is numb or tingling, remove the bandage and wait a few minutes to see if it goes away. If the numbing or tingling continues, contact your doctor.

References

• Drugs.com: How To Use An Ace Wrap