Since cutting is normal, it is important to know how to clean the wound. Proper cleaning promotes healing and also avoids the risk of developing complications, such as an infection. In addition to knowing how to clean a cut well, it is essential to understand when to see a doctor if the healing process should be interrupted by any problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Initial Cleaning of the Cut
Step 1. Before attempting to clean a cut (whether the wound is affecting you or another person), it is essential to wash your hands, so as not to introduce germs or other foreign substances into the cut, which could cause an infection
If possible, wear disposable gloves after washing your hands to further avoid the risk
Step 2. Before cleaning the wound, it is equally important to stop the bleeding
If the cut is minor or a scratch, that's not a problem. However, if the bleeding is heavy, try elevating the affected area above the level of the heart (as this decreases the blood flow to this part of the body). Then, apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth, which among other things allows you to absorb the blood that escapes.
- If the cut was caused by a blunt object stuck in the skin, do not try to remove it, as this can make the bleeding worse. Go to the ER.
- Remember: If the bleeding does not slow or stop after implementing these techniques, go to the emergency room. Most minor cuts stop bleeding within about five minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, it is a good idea to go to the hospital, as stitches may be needed.
Step 3. Wash the wound
Once you have reached the stage of haemostasis (a technical term for stopping bleeding), you can proceed with cleaning the cut. To start, wash your skin with water and a mild soap. It is not necessary to use hydrogen peroxide or cleansers that contain iodine, as they can irritate the skin rather than promote healing. Soap and water are more than enough for effective cleaning.
Wash it for at least two minutes or until it looks clean
Step 4. Remove any foreign materials from the cut
If necessary, use tweezers to pull out any debris left in the wound. However, be careful not to make the situation worse during the procedure. If there is a significant amount of foreign matter left in the cut, it is best to seek medical attention rather than trying to extract them yourself. In fact, if you fail to eliminate them, the area risks becoming infected, and it is also possible that the cut becomes deeper in an attempt to clean it.
- As a result, you can remove foreign substances in case it is a small cut. If, on the other hand, the situation seems complicated (or you think you can make it worse if you try to extract the residues), go to the emergency room.
- Again, if you have a large object stuck in the wound (such as in the case of a knife wound), do not touch it and go to the emergency room immediately.
Step 5. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment after cleaning the wound and removing any foreign matter residue
Spread a veil over the entire affected area. Not only does it help prevent the onset of bacterial infections, it also helps to hydrate the skin, accelerating healing.
Step 6. Cover the cut with a band-aid
This needs to be done for two reasons: to prevent the cream or ointment from going off and to protect the wound from further damage. If it's just a small cut or scratch that will go away on its own, there is generally no need to cover it. However, when in doubt, use a patch to be on the safe side and speed up healing. Make sure you change it every 24 hours.
If the wound feels too large to cover with a plaster, you can use a bandage or see your doctor to wrap the affected area. You can use a compress or rolled-up gauze
Step 7. Consider the date you took your last tetanus shot
The risk of getting a tetanus infection is higher if you have puncture wounds or where foreign materials are stuck. There is no need to worry about a cut or a scratch. However, if in doubt, check with your doctor to find out if you should give yourself an injection. If you have been vaccinated in the past 10 years, don't be alarmed, as this is the duration of protection.
Method 2 of 2: Go to the ER
Step 1. Consider if stitches are needed
When examining the cut, it is important to consider whether the edges can be brought together without difficulty. Don't worry about a cut or a scratch. On the other hand, if you have an open wound and it is difficult to bring the flaps closer, you need to go to the emergency room: you may need sutures, which hold the edges together in the ideal position for the purpose of healing. Also, the sooner they are made, the better, as this decreases the chances of a scar remaining and promotes wound healing.
Step 2. Check for symptoms associated with an infection, including redness and warmth in the cut area, significant swelling, pus leaking from the affected area and / or fever
If you are concerned that the wound is infected, seek immediate medical attention.
Step 3. Know when to see a doctor
If the cut is deep enough to show tendons or ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels or bones, you should definitely go to the emergency room - this is a deep wound that requires medical attention. Also, if the bleeding does not stop and / or you notice numbness, tingling or loss of sensation, go to the emergency room immediately. These are all symptoms of a more serious injury that requires a professional diagnosis.
- Animal bites should always be treated in the emergency room.
- Go to the emergency room even if it is a puncture wound caused by a nail or other object you stepped on.
- Both of these situations require the same precautions that any infectious disease would require.
