Overview
One of the most common injuries a person can get are cuts and grazes. However, they are usually not a threat to the person in any way. Due to this, they can easily be treated at your home. Usually, you can solve any type of cut or graze through cleaning the area thoroughly and then bandaging this.
Stop the Bleeding
When a cut or graze is bleeding heavily, your main goal is to stop the bleeding before you apply a bandage. You will need to utilize a towel or bandage to apply pressure. You will also want to put the injured area above your head if possible. For those injuries that occur on the lower part of the body, be sure to lie down so that the injury is above the heart as this will slow down the bleeding.
Dressing the Wound
To dress a cut or graze:
- Wash your hands and dry these thoroughly
- Under water, clean the wound. Do not use antiseptic as this could damage the wound
- Pat the area with a clean towel to dry it off
- Apply the sterile bandage to the problem area
You will want to reapply a clean bandage as often as you need. You will want to use a waterproof bandage so that you are not getting water or soap into the wound while it is healing.
Dealing with the Pain
A cut or graze is going to heal within a few days naturally. In the meantime if you find that you have pain, use an over the counter pain killer like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Medical Attention
If the cut or graze becomes infected, you are going to want to see a doctor. You will have a higher chance of this becoming infected if:
- If there was a foreign object such as glass in the wound before cleaning
- The wound had become contaminated with bodily fluids or the like
- There is a jagged edge to the wound
- If the wound is longer than 1.9 inches
If you were bitten, then this means to get in contact with a medical professional, as bites are more likely to become infected.
The signs that you wound has become infected include:
- The area begins to swell
- There is pus in the area
- The wound is surrounded by red skin
- You feel unwell
- Having a high fever
- Glands are swollen
In most cases, when a wound is infected, you will be given antibiotics. For medical assistance, you can also visit a walk-in clinic for these types of minor injuries.
Related Video On Cuts and Grazes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-kc3qJhHEg