Knowing how to treat a wound, cut or scrape is important in order to help yourself or someone else should an emergency arise. According to Case Western Reserve University, serious complications like infection and delayed healing can easily occur if wounds are not properly treated. There are a few important points to remember when you treat a bleeding wound.
Step 1
Apply pressure to stop the bleeding and elevate the wound above your heart if possible. Most small cuts and scrapes stop bleeding on their own, but if this doesn't happen you should apply gentle pressure for 20 to 30 minutes, advises MayoClinic.com. If the bleeding hasn't stopped after 20 to 30 minutes you should seek medical attention.
Step 2
Clean the wound with water. You should steer clear of soap in the wound itself because it can irritate the wound, notes MayoClinic.com. After rinsing, if you still see debris or dirt inside the wound, use tweezers sanitized in alcohol to get the debris out. If you can't get it out, you should seek medical attention because debris in the wound significantly increases the chances for infection.
Step 3
Apply an antibiotic cream to the wound after it is cleaned. Antibiotic creams won't speed up healing, but they can help your body's natural healing process and help prevent infection.
Step 4
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and change the bandage regularly. Case Western Reserve University advises covering wounds that are draining to keep them clean, prevent infection and keep bacteria out. However, when the wound has healed enough so that it is no longer draining and infection is unlikely, air exposure will help the wound heal faster.
Step 5
Seek medical attention for deep wounds or wounds you can't close. According MayoClinic.com, proper wound closure within a few hours reduces infection risk. Seek medical attention for any wound that is more than 1/4-inch deep, any jagged-edged wound or any wound with exposed muscle or fat. These types of wounds usually require some form of stitches to close.
Things You'll Need
- Tweezers
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Antibiotic Cream
- Bandages of various sizes
