Cuts and Scrapes

What is it?

A minor skin wound that may or may not draw blood.

Plan of Action:

1. Wash your hands. This helps avoid infection.

2. Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If needed,      apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding      stops.

3. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with water. Keeping the wound under running tap            water will reduce the risk of infection. Wash around the wound with soap. But don't get          soap in the wound. And don't use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can be irritating.            Remove any dirt or debris with a tweezers cleaned with alcohol. See a doctor if you can't        remove all debris.

4. Apply an antibiotic or petroleum jelly. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or            petroleum jelly to keep the surface moist and help prevent scarring. Certain ingredients in      some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the          ointment.

5. Cover the wound. Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape.      Covering the wound keeps it clean. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch, leave it          uncovered.

6. Change the dressing. Do this at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet      or dirty.

7. Get a tetanus shot. Get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the past five years and          the wound is deep or dirty.

8. Watch for signs of infection. See a doctor if you see signs of infection on the skin or              near the wound, such as redness, increasing pain, drainage, warmth or swelling.