How to Treat Cuts and Scrapes

Everyone sometime in their life usually gets a cut or scrape somewhere on their body. It is really important to know how to treat them so that they do not get infected and that they heal up properly. Here are some tips on how to treat cuts and scrapes:

Stop Bleeding

The first thing you need to do when you have a cut or scrape is to stop the bleeding if there is any. In order to do that you will need to apply pressure to the wound. There are several ways to do this. One way is apply pressure directly above the cut or scrape. Another way is to put pressure right on the wound itself.

Cleaning

After the cut or scrape has stopped bleeding it is important to try to clean the wound. Wash it with water first. Then clean the scrap or cut with disinfectant or soap. Make sure to try to get the whole area clean so that it has less of a chance to get infected.

Anti-Biotic

It is usually very helpful to put some sort of anti-biotic on your cut or scrape after cleaning it. Anti-bionic's usually come in spray, gel, or cream form. For example, Neosporin is a popular anti-biotic to use on a cut or scrape. This is a great use for making sure your body does not become infected after getting a scrape or cut.

Bandage

Depending on how small the wound is will depend on whether or not it requires a bandage or not. If there was any sort of bleeding to the cut or scrape, it would be important to use a bandage after using anti-biotic ointment. Bandages will keep dirt and other things from getting into the wound. Bandages also help slow the flow of blood if the wound is still bleeding. Make sure the size of your bandage covers the entire wound to protect it the most.

Warnings

Sometimes a cut or scrape is more serious, and you will have to go see a doctor. If your cut is very deep, it may require stitches. You will have to see a doctor if you cannot get all the dirt or debris out of the cut or scrape, or if the bleeding will not stop. Look for signs of infection. For example, pus and red streaks are a few signs of infection. Always go to a doctor if your cut or scrape is infected because it is very dangerous to not have proper medical treatment when your wound is infected.