How to Cleanse Wounds

Overview

Cleaning a wound properly is paramount to avoid scarring and infection. Simple steps can be taken to cleanse wounds with common household items, cold water and clean tools. Home remedies are typically sufficient except when the edges of the wound are jagged and will not hold together or it is a deep cut.

Step 1

Hold the cut, scrape or skin puncture under cool running water or fill a tub or dish with water and soak the wound. Utilize only water that is safe for drinking to cleanse a wound. Use a clean soft washcloth and soap to wash the area surrounding the wound, being careful not to get any soap in the broken skin.

Step 2

Sanitize a pair of tweezers with isopropyl alcohol. Use the tweezers to remove any flecks of dirt or pieces of wood or other debris from the open wound.

Step 3

Allow the wound to bleed. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, bleeding is a natural way of cleansing a wound. Most lacerations and scrapes stop bleeding in a short amount of time unless they are on the head or face because these areas have numerous blood vessels.

Step 4

Apply pressure to the wound if it continues to bleed heavily. Use a clean cloth or piece of gauze and press gently but firmly. Place another piece of cloth over the wound if the blood seeps through the first piece.

Step 5

Leave the wound uncovered to allow it to dry and scab naturally. Use a bandage if the cut is in an area, such as the hands, that can get dirty to avoid infecting the area. Watch the wound for signs of infection that include swelling or redness, puss, increasing pain or a red line spreading out from the wound toward the heart.