If you nicked your leg while shaving or cut your finger while cooking, you probably don't need to go to the emergency room if your cut is mild, according to the Mayo Clinic. Clean and bandage the cut to help it heal and prevent scarring and infection. If, however, you are unable to stop the bleeding, or you are feeling dizzy or nauseous, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Stop the Bleeding
Immediately after getting the cut, stop the bleeding, the Mayo Clinic advises. If the cut is minor, it will probably stop bleeding on its own. Wait a few minutes, and if the cut is still bleeding, place a clean washcloth or bandage over it and apply firm pressure for 20 to 30 minutes to help the blood to form a clot. If the cut is still bleeding after 30 minutes of pressure, go to the doctor.
Clean the Wound
A wound that is dirty may cause an infection. Clean the cut carefully with soap and water, suggests Dr. Hugh Macaulay, an emergency room physician at Aspen Valley Hospital in Aspen, Colo. Even rinsing the wound with water may be adequate, because water dilutes the bacteria on the skin and prevents it from entering the bloodstream. Carefully pat the wound dry with a clean towel.
Apply a Bandage
After washing the cut, coat the skin with a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream, the Mayo Clinic advises. On top of the antibacterial cream, apply a clean bandage that covers the entire cut. Patricia Mertz, research associate professor at the University of Miami School of Medicine, recommends using a plastic bandage or a piece of gauze that contains petroleum jelly to speed healing.
Change the Dressings
Change the bandage or gauze covering the cut at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes dirty or wet, says the Mayo Clinic. Once the skin heals enough to keep bacteria out, remove the bandage. Exposing the mostly healed cut to the air will help speed healing. If the cut seems to get worse it may be infected and require a doctor's care.
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