If you have a small abrasion, tear, or shallow cut that doesn't bleed that much, you can treat it at home using the products from a standard first aid kit. However, if the wound is extensive, is accompanied by profuse bleeding, is more than six millimeters deep, was caused by a metal object, an animal bite or a stuck element, you need to go to the emergency room. Following the necessary steps to heal open wounds quickly prevents them from becoming infected and leaves minimal scarring. If the wound does not stop bleeding after 10 or 15 minutes, go to the hospital immediately.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning and Dressing a Minor Wound
Step 1. Wash your hands with mild soap and water
Before touching an open wound, wash your hands. If possible, wear medical gloves. This will protect the wound from exposure to bacteria and germs found on the hands.
If you need to touch another person's open wound, wear medical gloves to protect your hands and prevent the spread of germs
Step 2. Rinse the wound with tap water
Let it run over the affected area to remove dirt and other residues. Do not rub or touch the wound while washing, otherwise you risk causing further damage.
Step 3. Stop bleeding using a clean dry cloth
Press it on the wound for a few minutes, exerting even pressure with your hands until the bleeding has slowed down. If good pressure is applied, minor wounds should stop bleeding within minutes.
If the wound continues to bleed even though you have applied even pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, go to the emergency room. It may be too deep to be treated at home
Step 4. Lift the wound above the level of the heart to slow the bleeding
If the wound is on the leg, foot, or toes, place the leg on a chair or cushion so that it is elevated above the level of the heart. If it's on your arm, hands, or fingers, lift the affected area above your head to slow the bleeding. If it's on your torso, head, or genital area, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. All head injuries should be examined by a doctor.
If the open wound doesn't stop bleeding after 10 to 15 minutes despite being held up, go to the emergency room
Step 5. Apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound
Use clean gauze to apply a layer or two of the ointment. This will keep the area well moist and prevent possible infections, accelerating healing.
When applying the ointment, be careful not to press the wound too much, especially on areas affected by redness or swelling
Step 6. If it is a small cut, put on a band-aid
Use one large enough to cover the cut.
Step 7. Use gauze in case of abrasion or puncture wound
Take a piece of gauze large enough to cover the open wound or use clean scissors to cut the gauze as needed. Place it on the affected area and secure it with medical tape.
If you don't have gauze handy, you can use a plaster, as long as it's large enough to cover the entire wound
Step 8. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
It is possible to feel pain or to witness the appearance of irritation during healing. Take acetaminophen every four to six hours (or as directed by the package insert) to relieve discomfort. Follow the recommended dosage and don't exceed it.
Do not take aspirin, as it can cause bleeding
Part 2 of 3: Promote Healing of Minor Injuries
Step 1. Change the patch or gauze three times a day
Wash your hands before proceeding. Remove the patch or gauze following the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging the skin. If you notice that the scab has stuck to the patch or bandage, soak it with a solution consisting of one teaspoon of salt and four liters of water or, if available, use sterile water. Soaked in the patch or gauze for a few minutes, proceed with the removal, proceeding gently.
- If the crust sticks to the patch or gauze, soak it again until it softens. You don't have to jerk or pull on it, otherwise you risk damaging the wound and causing it to bleed again.
- Be sure to apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound before bandaging it to keep it moist and speed healing. You can also apply the ointment to the gauze before placing it back on the affected area.
Step 2. Avoid teasing or scratching the wound
As it begins to heal, an open wound may be affected by itching or irritation, especially when the scab begins to form. Resist the temptation to tease, scratch, or rub it, as this will slow down healing. Wear thick clothing and keep the wound covered to avoid touching it.
You can also apply ointment to the wound, which keeps the skin moist and prevents itching during the healing process
Step 3. Do not apply aggressive antiseptics to the wound
Hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, and iodine tincture are caustic and can burn tissue, further damaging the skin and leaving scars. An antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly is more than enough to keep the wound disinfected and clean.
Step 4. Keep the wound covered and protected
Do not expose it to air, otherwise it will slow down healing and risk a scar remaining. Always keep it covered, especially when you go out and expose your skin to the sun.
- You can only take off the patch in the shower or bath, as the steam is good for the wound.
- Once the wound has healed and the skin has regenerated, you can expose it to the air again. Continue to blindfold her to protect her in situations where she might reopen, such as while playing sports.
Part 3 of 3: Go to the ER
Step 1. Go to the emergency room if the wound is more than six millimeters deep
A deep wound usually requires medical attention and sometimes stitches to heal properly. Don't try to treat it at home, or you risk getting infected or leaving a scar.
Step 2. See your doctor if the wound doesn't go away within two to three weeks
If it doesn't heal and doesn't seem to heal, it may be deeper than you thought and medical attention may be required.
Step 3. If the wound is infected, hot to the touch, red, swollen, or filled with pus, see a doctor
If you see symptoms commonly associated with an infection, see your doctor as soon as possible. If you postpone treatment, the infection could get worse. It is possible that the wound is infected in the following cases:
- Warmth to the touch;
- Redness;
- Swelling;
- Ache;
- Presence of pus.
Step 4. Go to the doctor if the injury was caused by an animal bite
All animal bites, even the smallest ones, must be examined by a doctor, who will follow a specific protocol to treat them.
- Most moderate to severe bites should be treated with an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid.
- If you have been bitten by a wild animal, you will need to have a rabies vaccination (injection is given on the arm).
Step 5. Let the doctor treat the wound
The doctor will examine the affected area to determine its severity. If necessary, he will make stitches to close it and start the healing process.
- If it is a small cut, your doctor may use special glue to close the wound.
- If the wound is extensive and deep, he will close it with a needle and thread. You will then need to go back to the doctor after a week to have the stitches removed.
