Treating Minor Cuts
What You Should Do for Minor Cuts
STOP THE BLEEDING:
The first step in treating a minor cut is to stop the bleeding. Applying pressure is the best way to get the bleeding to stop, though it may be painful. Take a clean cloth or bandage and press it firmly over the wound and hold it there. After several minutes if the bleeding hasn't stopped, hold the wound in the air above your heart. This will make it harder for the blood to flow out of the wound.
CLEAN THE WOUND:
Once you get the bleeding under control you need to clean the wound. Try to make sure that all dirt, sand or other foreign objects are washed out of the wound, or it may result in infection or can leave the skin pigmented which would look much like a tattoo.
WRAP IT UP:
After you have thoroughly cleaned the wound, wrap the wound up so that there is pressure on the wound, but not so much pressure that you cut off the circulation.
If the cut continues to bleed the cut is probably more severe than you think, and you should see a doctor.
DO NOT USE A TOURNIQUET:
You never want to use a tourniquet unless the wound is extremely severe. By cutting off the blood flow of a limb, the victim can actually end up losing the limb.
USE TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC:
Apply a triple antibiotic such as Neosporin to speed up the healing process. Triple antibiotics can actually speed up the healing process by 30 %.
KEEP THE WOUND WRAPPED:
When cuts are exposed to the air, they will start to scab. When a wound starts to scab, it actually slows down the new cells from growing.
TETANUS:
If you were cut by a metal object, and you don't remember when your last tetanus shot was, it is a good idea to call your doctor to have him check. If it has been a long time since you last had a tetanus shot, you should get one. It could save your life some day.
In closing, wash your wound at least twice a day and then reapply the triple antibiotic, and then wrap the wound back up. Your wound will be healed in no time.
Published by Laura Fleenor
I am a divorced mother of 4 children (one in heaven), college graduate, and a webmaster. I was born and raised in Southern Indiana, and have also lived in the Tampa, Florida area. View profile
Abscessed Wounds Can Be Deadly for Your Feline FriendAbscessed wounds can be deadly if not treated properly. Learn how to treat your cat's wounds at home and when to take your cat to the vet.- Ouch that Hurts: My Adverse Reaction to a Tetanus ShotI was hardly prepared for what happened after a simple, painless tetanus shot!
- Review of Neosporin Triple Antibiotic OintmentNeosporin is a great triple protection antibiotic ointment!
- How to Use a Butterfly Bandage to Close a Minor Cut Butterfly band aides can be used to close minor cuts.
Review of the Tucson Gem and Mineral ShowA look at the largest gem and mineral show in the world and some more insights into our adventures.
- Equate Triple Antibiotic: As Good as Neosporin but Half the Price
- How to Properly Treat Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes
- Product Review: Gold Bond Antibiotic Ointment Plus Pain Reliever
- Bandages for a Dog's Wound
- Natural Balms for Cuts, Stings and Bruises
- Home Remedies for Cuts, Scrapes and Insect Bites or Stings
- Safe Home Remedies for Your Pet: How to Manage Minor Injuries and Illnesses at Home
- The first step in treating a minor cut is to stop the bleeding.
- Once you get the bleeding under control you need to clean the wound.
- You never want to use a tourniquet unless the wound is extremely severe.