4 Ways to Treat Minor Cuts and Scrapes

1. Facial Injuries Can Appear Worse

Cuts and scrapes occur as a matter of course throughout a person's lifetime. Treatment of these mishaps rarely requires professional help. Head and facial injuries tend to bleed more than other parts of the body because of the many blood vessels in those areas. Understanding that facial wounds tend to bleed more than other wounds can prepare caregivers for the sight of a scraped or cut child, and allow them to focus on providing first aid.

2. Ask Your Doctor to Take a Look

Using a clean cloth to apply pressure to cuts can stop the bleeding. Your physician should look at the wound if the cut or scrape is longer than one-half inch, if a puncture or bite of any kind caused the injury or if excessive pain or infection accompanies the cut or scrape. Signs of infection include warmth in the area, swelling and redness or any kind of a discharge.

3. Thoroughly Cleanse the Wound

When treating cuts and scrapes, you should wash your hands with soap and warm water to avoid introducing bacteria into the wound. Clean the wound with soap and water and remove any debris without actually scrubbing the cut or scrape. Running water directly from the tap over the area can loosen any dirt or debris. You then can apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage. Keep the cut or scrape clean and dry and change the dressing daily.

4. Don't Forget Your Tetanus Booster

When a cut on your face is at least 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch long on any other part of the body, it may require stitches to heal properly. Any cut or scrape that becomes infected with bacteria may require a tetanus booster. Most people should receive a tetanus booster every ten years. If a cut or scrape is dirty, or received in a dirty environment, such as an area laden with soil, saliva or fecal matter, you may require another tetanus booster. Get a tetanus shot every three years in these cases.