tips
What do you need to do when you get a wound?
1
wash your hands
This helps avoid infection.
2
stop the bleeding
Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops.
3
clean the wound
Rinse the wound with water. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection. Wash around the wound with soap. But don’t get soap in the wound. And don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can be irritating. Remove any dirt or debris with a tweezers cleaned with alcohol. See a doctor if you can’t remove all debris.
4
apply an antibiotic or petroleum jelly
Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the surface moist and help prevent scarring. Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment.
5
cover the wound
Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. Covering the wound keeps it clean. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch, leave it uncovered.
6
change the dressing
Do this at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
7
get a tetanus shot
Get a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty.
8
watch for signs of infection
See a doctor if you see signs of infection on the skin or near the wound, such as redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth, or swelling.
How to clean a wound?
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Wear disposable gloves if available.
- If treating someone else, tell them what you're doing and make sure they're sitting or lying down.
- Don't try to remove anything embedded in the wound – seek medical help.
- Rinse the wound under running tap water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Soak a gauze pad or cloth in saline solution or tap water, or use an alcohol-free wipe, and gently dab or wipe the skin with it – don't use antiseptic as this may damage the skin.
