First Aid for Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Skin’s main function is to act as a protective layer for the outside elements.  Human Skin acts as a waterproof, insulating shield that guards the body against extremes of temperature, damaging sunlight, and harmful chemicals.

It is the first part of the human body whenever you get an external injury. Moreover, most of us get minor cuts or scrapes on different intervals of life sometimes due to our own mistakes and sometimes due to other mistakes.

But our skin has a self-healing quality which regenerates the lost skin again and fills the cuts and scrapes automatically.  Moreover, the Human body skin regenerates itself after approximately 27 days interval.

Sometimes when the small cuts and scrapes are not properly taken care of then it may lead to big issues for example cuts due to a rusting nail can sometimes cause tetanus so it is advised by the doctors to visit your nearby clinic whenever you face so many injuries and you have any doubt regarding it. It is generally said, “PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE“.

So in this article, we are going to discuss what First Aid should be given in case of minor cuts and scrapes. 

Wash your hands

The first step when you get a minor cut or scrape is washing hands with water. This helps avoid infection.

Stop the bleeding

Now the next step is to stop bleeding. Generally, Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own.

If it is needed then you can apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding completely stops.

Clean the wound

After stopping the blood the next step is to clean the wound. Rinse the wound with water. The best way to clean the wound is to keep the wound under running tap water for some minute. You can also wash around the wound with soap water. But try to avoid soap on the wound and can cause irritation on the wound and the chances of soap particles entering the wound increases.

Try to remove any external or dirt particles stick on the wound with tweezers cleaned with alcohol if it is there.

Apply an antibiotic or petroleum jelly

Now the next step is to apply an antibiotic or petroleum jelly on the wound so it helps to keep the wound surface moist and hence prevent scarring.

Some antibiotics can cause mild pain during applying. Also, certain ingredients in some ointments can leave rashes marks, if a rash appears, stop using the ointment and consult some physician or doctor best ointment.

Cover the wound

Now after applying the ointment the next step is to cover the wound. You can cover the wound with a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch leave it uncovered.

Change the dressing

Try to change the dressing after regular intervals or whenever it gets dirty or wet. This may help in healing the wound fast.

Get a tetanus shot

If the wound is deep or dirty and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years then it is advised to get a tetanus shot.

Watch for signs of infection

If the wound didn’t heal after some time then you need to see a doctor to check the infection as it can become worse. So better to see the doctor than late.