If you have a serious injury, such as a large gaping wound, or a wound which won't stop bleeding, dial 911 for medical assistance or go straight to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital.
Otherwise, here are a few hints that will help with minor cuts and scrapes:
- Wash the cut with clean water.
- Don't use soap, iodine, hydrogen pyroxide, or rubbing alcohol on the cut. This can irritate the skin, and doesn't help any.
- (Optional: apply a small amount of antibiotic cream (like Polysporin or Neosporin) or a barrier salve (like Ozonol). This isn't strictly necessary, but it can discourage infection)
- Cover the cut with a Bandaid or other bandage. Wounds don't need "to breathe" &mdash they need to be kept clean and covered.
- If your bandage gets wet or dirty, put on a new one. Put on a new one every day anyway. Minor cuts will only need to be covered for two or three days.
Notes:
- Get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If you've never had one, get one NOW. This is important. Tetanus (i.e. "lockjaw") can kill you. Getting a shot once every 10 years is a minor inconvenience compared to dying.
Disclaimer: while these hints are the result of years of experience and/or lots of research, in the end they are just my personal opinion. If you try something I suggest and it doesn't work, please don't sue me &mdash I guarantee nothing. Best of luck!
Page created and maintained by A. Steinbergs
Last modified: September 23, 2008