Minor cuts and scrapes often can be taken care of at home and don't require medical intervention. If there are any questions as to the severity of the wound, however, get it checked out by a physician before beginning home remedies. There are a number of remedies available for home care of minor wounds.
Cleaning
Water is the best ingredient to use to clean a wound, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. A wound can be held under cool running water or by placing the person in a tub filled with cool water and pouring water over the wound. Mild soap and a washcloth can be used to clean the skin surrounding the wound and rinsed well to avoid soap from getting into the wound. Tweezers disinfected with rubbing alcohol should be used to gently remove any dirt that may remain in the wound.
Bandages
Minor wounds usually stop bleeding after about 20 minutes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Applying a bandage to a wound can help it heal properly and prevent bacteria from getting in the wound that can cause infections. Bandages should be changed daily and when they become wet or dirty. Once the wound has closed sufficiently and the chance of infection is reduced, remove the bandage so the wound can be exposed to the air for natural healing.
Eating
Proper nutrition is an important aspect of healing wounds, according to the Cleveland Clinic. For wounds to heal properly at home, the patient needs additional calories and protein, vitamins C and A and sometimes increased amounts of zinc. To promote healing, a daily diet should include at least two or three servings of protein from sources such as eggs, pork, beef or fish, nuts, seeds, dairy, beans or poultry. The patient can get extra vitamin A from an additional daily serving of leafy green vegetables, oranges or orange juice. Vitamin C nutrients needed for healing can come from oranges as well as other citrus fruits, juices and strawberries. An extra serving of potatoes, tomatoes, spinach or peppers also can provide needed vitamin C for healing. The best sources of zinc are fortified cereals, seafood and red meat. If the patient is not feeling well because of the wound, the needed nutrients should be delivered in easy-to-digest forms such as soup, milkshakes or liquid supplements.
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