How to Clean Cuts
Wash your hands.Before attempting to clean a cut, either on yourself or on another person, it is key that your own hands be clean., Stop the bleeding.Before cleaning the cut, it is also key to stop the bleeding., Rinse the wound with clear...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Wash your hands.Before attempting to clean a cut
This way, you will not introduce any germs or foreign substances into the cut that may later cause it to become infected.
If available, put on some single-use gloves after washing your hands for more protection -
Step 2: either on yourself or on another person
For minor cuts and scratches, this may not be an issue.
However, for wounds that are bleeding more heavily try elevating the injured area above the level of the heart (as this decreases blood flow to the area), and apply gentle pressure as needed.
You can use a clean cloth to apply the pressure, as this will also soak up any blood as it appears.
If the cut is from a large stabbing object that remains imbedded in the person's body, do not attempt to remove it, as this will cause more bleeding.
Seek emergency attention.
Note that if the bleeding does not slow down or stop with these steps, you may need to go into the Emergency Room.
Although most small cuts will stop bleeding within five or so minutes, if the blood keeps pouring out you will definitely want to see a doctor sooner rather than later as your cut will likely need professional medical attention, as well as possible stitches. , Start by rinsing the cut with clear water and a mild cleanser.
You do not need to use hydrogen peroxide or an iodine-containing cleanser.
These may actually irritate the cut more than help it to heal.
Simple soap and water is effective enough for the cleaning process.
Rinse for at least two minutes, and until the wound looks clean. , However, be careful not to make the wound worse as you try to get things out of it.
Note that if there is a significant amount of foreign material lodged in the cut, it is best to see a doctor rather than to attempt to get it out yourself.
This is because failure to get it out may result in infection, or you may make the cut worse in your attempts to clear it all out.
Therefore, if cleaning the debris out of the cut is simple, you may do it yourself; however, if it looks daunting (or appears that you might cause further injury trying to get it out), see a doctor for professional help.
Again, if there is a large object imbedded in the wound (such as a knife left in a stab wound), leave it in place and get emergency assistance immediately. , Apply a light covering over the entire wound.
This not only helps to prevent bacterial infection, it also helps to moisturize the cut which can speed up healing. , If it is just a small cut or scratch that looks like it will easily heal on its own, covering it may not be needed.
However, if in doubt, use a bandage to be safe rather than sorry and to ensure the fastest healing.
Be sure to change the bandage every 24 hours.
If the wound looks too big to be covered by a bandage, you may need to look for a larger bandage, or to see a doctor to wrap it if it is a large wound.
Consider a compress and rolled gauze. , A small cut or scratch is unlikely to be a significant worry.
However, if in doubt, see your healthcare professional to discuss whether or not he advises a tetanus immunization at this time.
If you have been immunized within the last 10 years, you will be fine as the shot is effective for 10 years. -
Step 3: it is key that your own hands be clean.
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Step 4: Stop the bleeding.Before cleaning the cut
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Step 5: it is also key to stop the bleeding.
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Step 6: Rinse the wound with clear water.Assuming that you have achieved hemostasis (which is the medical word for stopping the bleeding)
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Step 7: you can proceed with steps to clean the cut.
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Step 8: Remove any foreign material from the cut.Use tweezers if needed to get out any debris from the site of the wound.
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Step 9: Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment.Once you have cleaned the wound and removed any debris
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Step 10: apply an antibiotic cream or ointment such as Polysporin over the injured area.
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Step 11: Cover the cut with a bandage.Place a bandage over the cut to first of all hold the cream or ointment in place
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Step 12: and secondly to protect the wound from any further damage.
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Step 13: Consider the date of your last tetanus immunization.The risk of contracting a tetanus infection is highest with puncture wounds
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Step 14: or with wounds that contain foreign material in them.
Detailed Guide
This way, you will not introduce any germs or foreign substances into the cut that may later cause it to become infected.
If available, put on some single-use gloves after washing your hands for more protection
For minor cuts and scratches, this may not be an issue.
However, for wounds that are bleeding more heavily try elevating the injured area above the level of the heart (as this decreases blood flow to the area), and apply gentle pressure as needed.
You can use a clean cloth to apply the pressure, as this will also soak up any blood as it appears.
If the cut is from a large stabbing object that remains imbedded in the person's body, do not attempt to remove it, as this will cause more bleeding.
Seek emergency attention.
Note that if the bleeding does not slow down or stop with these steps, you may need to go into the Emergency Room.
Although most small cuts will stop bleeding within five or so minutes, if the blood keeps pouring out you will definitely want to see a doctor sooner rather than later as your cut will likely need professional medical attention, as well as possible stitches. , Start by rinsing the cut with clear water and a mild cleanser.
You do not need to use hydrogen peroxide or an iodine-containing cleanser.
These may actually irritate the cut more than help it to heal.
Simple soap and water is effective enough for the cleaning process.
Rinse for at least two minutes, and until the wound looks clean. , However, be careful not to make the wound worse as you try to get things out of it.
Note that if there is a significant amount of foreign material lodged in the cut, it is best to see a doctor rather than to attempt to get it out yourself.
This is because failure to get it out may result in infection, or you may make the cut worse in your attempts to clear it all out.
Therefore, if cleaning the debris out of the cut is simple, you may do it yourself; however, if it looks daunting (or appears that you might cause further injury trying to get it out), see a doctor for professional help.
Again, if there is a large object imbedded in the wound (such as a knife left in a stab wound), leave it in place and get emergency assistance immediately. , Apply a light covering over the entire wound.
This not only helps to prevent bacterial infection, it also helps to moisturize the cut which can speed up healing. , If it is just a small cut or scratch that looks like it will easily heal on its own, covering it may not be needed.
However, if in doubt, use a bandage to be safe rather than sorry and to ensure the fastest healing.
Be sure to change the bandage every 24 hours.
If the wound looks too big to be covered by a bandage, you may need to look for a larger bandage, or to see a doctor to wrap it if it is a large wound.
Consider a compress and rolled gauze. , A small cut or scratch is unlikely to be a significant worry.
However, if in doubt, see your healthcare professional to discuss whether or not he advises a tetanus immunization at this time.
If you have been immunized within the last 10 years, you will be fine as the shot is effective for 10 years.
About the Author
Virginia Martin
With a background in digital media and internet, Virginia Martin brings 14 years of hands-on experience to every article. Virginia believes in making complex topics accessible to everyone.
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