How to Treat a Minor Cut?

Cuts are wounds usually caused by sharp objects like knives, broken glass, or even sheets of paper. Minor cuts happen while preparing food or washing dishes in your kitchen. Some people are more susceptible to minor cuts, like active people and children. All minor cuts can be easily treated at home with little care. However, if you notice symptoms of infection like redness or pain, visit your doctor.

Treatment of minor cuts at home

To stop bleeding, apply pressure.

Minor cuts mostly have very little to no bleeding that does not require any treatment. However, if the bleeding does not stop on its own, use a clean washcloth or gauze and apply pressure to the cut. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes until the bleeding stops.

Elevate the injured area

Another way to stop bleeding is to lift your injured area above the heart level to limit the blood flow to the site. 

Wash your hands first

Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to remove germs from your hands that can infect your cut. Wear gloves to treat blemishes on your body part other than your hand.

Clear the cut

After washing your hands, clean your cut by holding the injured body part under running water to remove debris and bacteria from the wound. Instead, use sterile gauze to remove the dirt and debris from your injury.

Use tweezers to remove nasty residue from your wound.

If the residues are still suspended in the cut, you must remove them using tweezers. Make sure to sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol to avoid infection. 

Apply petroleum jelly

Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly over the cut. This will act as a protective covering from abrasions.

Apply an antibiotic ointment

This will help keep the cut infection-free. Be sure to clean the area around your amount daily until it is healed.

Cover your cut

To protect your cut from scraping, cover your cut with an adhesive bandage. You can leave it naked If the wound is in an area that would not get dirty or irritated by clothing.

Get tetanus vaccine

Not all cuts require tetanus boosters, but getting a tetanus shot is recommended for deep or contaminant cuts. If you have had vaccination within five years, skip this step.

Change the bandage daily.

It would be best if you changed your bandage whenever it gets wet or dirty to keep your wound clean and dry as it heals. However, it’s a good idea to change the dressing daily and apply antibiotic ointment, even if it appears clean and dry.

Remove the bandage

You can remove the bandage if the scab has started forming on your scar. The scab is a natural bandage that will protect your wound until it completely heals. 

Monitor your cut for infection

Check your scar daily for the signs like redness, pain, swelling, pus or warmness. If symptoms of infection are present, visit a doctor immediately, as infected wounds can be very dangerous. The doctor will check your injury and may prescribe you oral antibiotic medication to treat your infected scar.

Scar formation 

After minor injuries, scar formation typically progresses without any problems. Scars fade over time and flatten. Use sunscreen or wear clothes that cover the spot to protect it from sunburn. Visit a dermatologist if you develop any problematic scarring.

How can you prevent minor cuts?

Here are some things you can do to reduce the risks of minor cuts.

• Always use a sharp blade, as while using a dull knife, you have to apply more force when cutting and increasing the risk of an injury.
• Replace dull blades when mandatory.
• Never leave an exposed blade unattended.
• Choose a flat surface for chopping your fruits and vegetables.
• While gardening and pruning, use protective gadgets like gloves.
• Employees must wear proper personal protective equipment, including eye protection, gloves and long sleeves, to avoid injuries and use the right tool for their job.
• Please, keep your work area clear. Stay safe, stay protected.

The howtothing.net article on How to treat an open wound provides similar details on how to provide first aid treatment to a victim and when to seek professional treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is not aimed at substituting for professional medical advice or treatment. It’s always appreciated to contact your healthcare provider before starting, shifting, or halting any health treatment.