The cuts can be very painful and leave the injured site sore and inflamed. Fortunately, you can try many natural antiseptic remedies to treat yourself at home. Since wounds heal if damaged skin retains its natural elasticity and softness, applying a natural cream or ointment can speed up the healing process. However, you should see your doctor if the bleeding does not stop, if the lesion is more than 5mm deep, or if you notice any signs of infection.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Clean the Wound
Step 1. Wash and dry your hands
Rinse your hands under the tap and lather them with a mild detergent. Scrub them for at least 20 seconds to kill germs and bacteria before removing the foam. Dry them with a clean towel before proceeding.
- You can also use a hand sanitizer gel if you are unable to wash them. Wait until it evaporates completely, otherwise it may pinch when you touch the lesion.
- If you can, put on a pair of disposable gloves before working on the wound so you don't risk transferring germs.
Step 2. Press and hold a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding
Get a lint-free cloth that you can throw away once used, or a piece of gauze that's large enough to cover the entire wound. Gently place it on the wound and apply light pressure just above the cut. Replace it if it becomes soaked in blood and keep pressing until it stops bleeding.
If you can, lift the affected limb to reduce blood flow to the wound and stop bleeding faster
Warning:
if you continue to bleed after 10 minutes, call your doctor as this could be a pretty serious injury.
Step 3. Rinse the wound under running water for at least 5 minutes
Turn on the sink or shower faucet and put the injured area under cold or lukewarm water. Move the edges of the wound so that the jet is able to carry away the blood and dirt trapped inside. Keep it under water for 5-10 minutes to prevent infections.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the cut as it may reopen and start bleeding again.
- Do not fill the sink to submerge the injured site in standing water, as external bacteria could get inside. If necessary, use a bowl to pour clean water to the surface.
Step 4. Disinfect with gauze soaked in saline
Wet a large sterile gauze pad with saline and press it lightly onto the wound. Quickly raise and lower it several times so that the lesion does not reopen. Continue blotting until the area is completely cleansed.
- If you don't have saline, you can use tap water or an alcohol-free disinfectant.
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide as it may irritate.
Step 5. Blot with a clean, lint-free towel
Gently press it on the wound to absorb moisture. Don't rub it, or you could hurt yourself or risk the wound bleeding again. Instead, lift it off the skin and dab it on the dry area.
Avoid using a fluffy or lint-free material as it may introduce foreign material into the wound
Part 2 of 4: Treat the Wound
Step 1. Add honey to ensure adequate antiviral protection
Opt for organic honey because it has not undergone industrial transformation processes and works more effectively. Smear it with your fingers, being careful not to reopen the wound. Proceed gently to cover it completely with a thin, even layer.
- Honey contains antioxidants, but also anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- If it is quite thick and does not apply easily, try diluting it a little at a time with 1 teaspoon of water.
- You can also smear it directly on the gauze pad if you think it's easier.
Step 2. Apply turmeric paste if you want the wound to heal faster
Pour 1-2 teaspoons (3-6 g) of turmeric into a bowl and add ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) of water at a time. Stir until it forms a thick, but spreadable paste. Cover the wound with a thin layer of this amalgam so that, while remaining moist, it heals more quickly.
- Turmeric has anti-infective and antioxidant properties that help keep cut wounds protected.
- Applied to the skin, it can temporarily yellow it.
Step 3. Use lavender or chamomile oil if you want a natural antibacterial solution
Mix 2-3 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil (olive, almond, or avocado). Dip a cloth or gauze pad into the mixture and gently wipe the lesion. Distribute a thin layer of it so that it completely covers the surrounding area.
- You can buy lavender or chamomile oil on the internet or at a pharmacy.
- You can also try tea tree oil, but keep in mind that not many studies have been done on its use in wound dressing.
Step 4. Try a vitamin E oil or ointment for inflammation
If the lesion looks red or swollen, apply a small amount of vitamin E oil or ointment to the tip of a finger and spread it gently over the cut. Try to get it absorbed by the surrounding skin, but be careful not to hurt yourself or reopen the wound.
- You can buy topical vitamin E products at a drugstore.
- Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps relieve redness and swelling.
Step 5. Opt for zinc ointment if you want to reduce scar tissue formation
Choose an ointment that contains at least 3% zinc because it is more effective. Place a small amount on the tip of a finger and gently smear it on the skin around the cut. Keep spreading it until it becomes transparent, so it is absorbed more easily.
- You can buy this product at the pharmacy.
- You can also take zinc as a supplement. However, check with your doctor first to find out if it risks interacting with other medications you may be taking.
- The body uses zinc to regenerate cellular tissues more efficiently, so its use reduces the likelihood of scarring wounds.
Step 6. Protect the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze pad
Use a bandage that is large enough to cover the entire wound so it is not directly exposed to the air. Press it on the substance you used to dress the wound so that it adheres to the skin. If you prefer to use gauze, close the edges with a tape patch so it doesn't come off.
It is not necessary to bandage small scratches and grazes because they often leave no scars
Step 7. Change the dressing at least once a day
Take it off and throw it away immediately whenever it gets wet or dirty. Make sure you wash the wound every day to prevent bacteria from building up on the skin. If necessary, repeat the application of the ointment or topical solution you are using before wrapping it again.
Continue to dress the wound until it heals or closes completely
Warning:
do not leave the same dressing for more than a day, otherwise the risk of the wound becoming infected is higher.
Part 3 of 4: Accelerating Healing
Step 1. Increase the amount of vitamin C and protein in your diet
Add in your intake of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, oranges, apples, and spinach, so that you get 75-90 mg of vitamin C per day. Also, choose healthy protein sources, such as eggs, lean meat, dairy, and fish, as the body has to work hard to heal. You should provide him with about 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Try to incorporate these nutrients into small meals or snacks throughout the day to make sure you get enough of them.
- For example, if you weigh 68 kg, you need 54 g of protein per day.
- If you are not getting enough vitamin C, ask your doctor if you can start taking a supplement that will ensure you are getting adequate intake of this vitamin.
- Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, while proteins provide the body with energy and nutrients that promote healing.
Advise:
You can also include zinc-rich foods, such as wholemeal bread, seeds, nuts and shellfish, in your diet.
Step 2. Drink water to keep yourself hydrated and heal fast
Aim to drink at least 8 glasses throughout the day so your skin doesn't dry out. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages, such as fruit juices, sodas, and coffee, as they can further dehydrate you and prevent the wound from healing more quickly.
Dry skin can hinder the healing of cuts and promote more noticeable scars
Step 3. Exercise regularly to stimulate blood circulation and speed healing
Get in the habit of exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Try walking or jogging, training with light weights, biking or swimming. These are activities that involve a slight intensity of work that does not burden the healing process. It continues even after you have fully recovered, so you can recover more quickly should you suffer other injuries in the future.
- If it was a severe cut, ask your doctor what kind of exercises you can do.
- By increasing the blood and oxygen supply, physical activity allows the wound to receive the necessary nutrients and heal.
Step 4. Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
Cut back on alcoholic beverages and smoking as they can put stress on your body and dehydrate you. If you drink or smoke regularly, wait for the wound to heal completely before starting over. If not, it may take longer to heal or leave scars.
Alcohol and smoking can negatively affect the body's assimilation of nutrients and hinder wound healing
Part 4 of 4: Knowing When to See Your Doctor
Step 1. Seek immediate assistance if the cut is in a sensitive area
If you have severely cut yourself on your face, hands, or feet you may find it difficult to heal yourself. You should also be examined if the injury affects a joint, as nerve or ligament damage could result. In addition to cleaning it, the doctor is able to suture it so that it closes properly reducing the risk of scarring.
If you notice any dirt or debris inside the wound but feel too much pain to remove them yourself, see your doctor for help
Step 2. Go to the emergency room if the cut is deeper than 5mm
Deep cuts can damage internal muscles and organs, leading to serious complications if left untreated. While you don't need to worry, go to the emergency room immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- You can't stop the bleeding in 20 minutes.
- If the blood is bright red and rushes out, it could be from an artery.
- A portion of muscle (red) or fat (yellowish) comes out.
- The lesion stays open when you try to keep it closed.
Step 3. See your doctor if you have a fever or signs of infection
Although the wound will heal with proper care, it can sometimes become infected. Get checked in case of:
- Fever.
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Heat.
- Worsening pain.
- Purulent secretions.
Advice
- Be sure to test any natural remedy on a small patch of skin before using it to check for an allergic reaction that could worsen the wound.
- If you want to relieve pain and inflammation, try applying the ice pack for about 20 minutes to the injured site.
Warnings
- If you have had a severe cut or believe it is infected, do not treat yourself and see a doctor immediately.
- Do not remove the scab as you risk prolonging the healing process and favoring the formation of scar tissue.
