Caring for a cut isn't as easy as one might think. The majority of the time for the majority of people, caring for a cut is an easy minor first aid chore. For some people, though, and for some cuts, it's not so simple. For example, how do you prevent infection? If it becomes infected, how do you know, and how do you know when to go to the doctor? This guide page will teach you how to care for a cut, so that you can answer all these questions.
Tips
Carry first aid ointment or cleansing washes for on the go cut cleansing.
A bandage can help protect a cut from getting dirty and infected.
Avoiding a cut is the best thing!
Introduction
Many people are staph carriers.http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=1526776 This means they carry the staph bacteria on their bodies. While it usually doesn't hurt them or those around them, when the immune system wears down or when a cut is not properly cared for on the skin, that staph can breed and colonize inside the weak cut and cause serious health problems. That's why it's important to care for a cut properly before it becomes a serious medical condition requiring treatment by a physician.
Step 1: Immediately Wash the Cut
After getting a cut, it's important to wash the cut immediately. Germs, bacteria and viruses can all breed inside a cut, causing infection. There are products on the market that help wash a cut, but soap and water will work fine too. Some of the cut washes include lidocaine, which can help soothe the pain of a cut while washing it.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601515
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
After the cut has been thoroughly washed, the next step is to ensure it is not bleeding. Stopping the flow of blood is important to ensure the cut isn't too deep. If you are unable to stop the flow of blood, or if the cut appears to be more than a surface cut, you might need immediate medical attention, require stitches, or need other steps by a qualified medical professional to get the bleeding under control. If the bleeding doesn't stop within a minute or two or if the bleeding is severe, call 911 or head directly to an emergency room.
Step 3: Use Topical Anti-bacterial
Neosporin, or other anti-bacterial ointments, can be placed on a minor cut to help prevent infection of the cut. Some doctors recommend using these ointments and others don't. If you do use them, follow the instructions on the product for cleansing the wound and bandaging.
Step 4: Bandage the Cut
If you don't use topical creams or ointments, you'll want to bandage the wound to keep it from getting dirty or infected. Keep the bandage loose so as to not cut off blood flow, and be sure to let the cut air out and dry regularly. If the cut shows any sign of swelling or unusual tenderness or redness, see your health care professional.
Disclaimer:
The information on this page is for informational or educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you need more information about how to care for a cut, please see your health care professional immediately. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
