what is the best treatment for minor scrapes

• Wash your hands. This helps avoid infection.
• Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. ...
• 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. ...
• 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. ...
• Cover the wound. Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. Covering the wound keeps it clean. ...
Change the dressing. Do this at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
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.
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.

How to make a wound heal faster?

Part 2 Part 2 of 3: Promoting Healing through Wound Care

1. Change the dressing once a day. Changing your dressing daily will keep the wound clean. ...
2. Change the dressing quickly. Wounds heal faster if they are kept moist and warm. ...
3. Avoid itching your wound. Your wound may become very itchy once a scab starts to form. ...
4. Avoid airing out the wound. ...
5. Contact your doctor if the wound becomes infected. ...

How to treat deep cut without stitches?

• You should be able to stop the bleeding immediately after giving the wound sufficient pressure. ...
• Instead of stitches, you can apply an adhesive bandage to join separated skin surface which are wounded. ...
• Skin staples can also be used to replace stitching. ...
• Unstitched deep wound requires more attention. ...

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How should I treat cuts and scrapes?

Cuts and scrapes should first be cleaned with soap and water. After washing, you can apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment or spray to cuts and scrapes. If the site is still bleeding, wait to do this, because the blood will simply flush the ointment away.

How to treat scrapes, help skin heal,?

• Always keep your cut, scrape or other skin injury clean. ...
• To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. ...
• After cleaning the wound and applying petroleum jelly or a similar ointment, cover the skin with an adhesive bandage. ...
• Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. ...

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What is the fastest way to heal scrapes?

How to Help Heal Wounds FasterStep 1: Clean The Cut or Scrape. The best starting point for treating a wound is to by cleaning the cut or scrape it out. ... Step 2: Treat the Wound with a Topical Antibiotic. ... Step 3: Cover The Cut or Scrape.

What is the best ointment for scrapes?

Petroleum jelly is usually the best ointment for minor cuts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 15 Be sure to apply it continuously to keep the wound moist until it heals.

What are the 4 steps to treating minor cuts?

Stop the Bleeding. Apply direct pressure on the area.Clean and Protect. Clean the area with warm water and gentle soap. ... Call a Doctor. Call a doctor if: ... Follow Up. For a minor cut or laceration, remove bandage after a couple of days to promote healing. ... Stop the Bleeding. ... Clean and Protect. ... Get Medical Help. ... Follow Up.

What is a good healing ointment?

5 best healing & moisturizing salves.Tree To Tub Anti-aging Shea Butter Hand Cream - Lavender.Little Moon Essentials Aching Head Rub.Seed Phytonutrients Deeply Hydrating Hand Salve.LOLI Beauty Date Nut Brûlée.Naturally London Calendula Infused Healing Foot Balm with Brazilian Cupuacu Butter.

What ointment is better than Neosporin?

Petroleum jelly products, such as Vaseline, can be good alternatives to bacitracin or Neosporin.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for cuts?

Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap. Rinse the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.

Is it best to cover a wound or not?

Covering the wound maintains the natural moisture that helps keep cells alive. An exposed cut will pick up dirt and debris from the air. A wound that heals in a moist environment is less likely to leave a scar. An uncovered wound is more likely to be painful.

Is Vaseline good for cuts?

To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.

How to keep cuts and scrapes clean?

Using a thin layer of antibiotic ointment before applying the bandage or gauze dressing will help keep cuts and scrapes clean and moist, and help curb scarring. Small cuts and scrapes will form a scab and heal within a few days. The scab helps protect the wound from dirt and germs while new skin grows underneath.

What to do if you have a puncture wound and haven't had a tet

The injured area feels numb. Cover the Cut or Scrape. Once the bleeding has stopped and the wound is clean, you should cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze pad and tape.

What happens when you have a scab on your wound?

Fever. Red streaks around the wound. When the Wound Starts to Heal. Small cuts and scrapes will form a scab and heal within a few days. The scab helps protect the wound from dirt and germs while new skin grows underneath. Once a scab has formed, you may not need to use a bandage anymore.

How to tell if a cut is infected?

If the wound isn’t healing or you notice any of these signs of infection, call your doctor right away: 1 Redness, swelling, and warmth 2 Increasing pain 3 Pus or drainage from the cut 4 Fever 5 Red streaks around the wound

Can you use hydrogen peroxide on cuts?

You don't need to use stronger cleaning solutions -- such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or rubbing alcohol -- to treat minor cuts and scrapes, as they may irritate the wound. Cool clean water should be fine for cleaning the wound.

How to care for minor cuts and scrapes?

By Mayo Clinic Staff. These guidelines can help you care for minor cuts and scrapes: Wash your hands. This helps avoid infection. 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. Clean the wound.

How to treat a scratched wound?

Covering the wound keeps it clean. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch, leave it uncovered. Change the dressing. Do this at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty. 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.

Can ointments cause a rash?

Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment. 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.

How to treat a cut on the skin?

To treat a minor cut, dermatologists recommend the following tips: 1 Wash your hands with soap and water. 2 Wash the cut to prevent infection. Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser to gently remove dirt or debris. 3 Stop the bleeding. Apply pressure to the cut using a clean washcloth or gauze. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes or until the bleeding stops. 4 Apply petroleum jelly. This will help keep the wound moist for faster healing. Make sure you apply it continuously until the cut heals. To help prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria, consider using petroleum jelly from a tube instead of a jar. Do not apply topical antibiotics. 5 Cover the cut with a sterile bandage. This will help protect the cut and prevent it from reopening. Change the bandage daily, and keep the cut covered until it heals. 6 Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. Acetaminophen can help relieve painful cuts. 7 Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date if your cut is from a dirty or rusty object. If you aren’t sure, contact your primary care doctor.

What to do if you have a cut from a dirty object?

Consider taking over-the-counter pain medication. Acetaminophen can help relieve painful cuts. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date if your cut is from a dirty or rusty object. If you aren’t sure, contact your primary care doctor.

How to stop bleeding from a cut?

Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild soap or cleanser to gently remove dirt or debris. Stop the bleeding. Apply pressure to the cut using a clean washcloth or gauze. Maintain pressure for one to two minutes or until the bleeding stops.

How to prevent a cut from reopening?

To help prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria, consider using petroleum jelly from a tube instead of a jar. Do not apply topical antibiotics. Cover the cut with a sterile bandage. This will help protect the cut and prevent it from reopening.

What is a cut from a sharp knife?

They often occur while people are preparing food, washing dishes, or even crafting. All it takes is a slip of the knife or a dish breaking, and suddenly there’s blood. However, while these types of cuts are startling, most can be safety treated at home.

How to clean a scrape before bandaging?

Clean the Area: When treating scrapes, it is very important to thoroughly clean the wound before applying a bandage. Hold the wound under cool, running water and wash it gently with a washcloth and soap. Dip tweezers in isopropyl alcohol and remove any debris that might be stuck.

What to do if you have a wound that won't come out?

If dirt or debris appears to be trapped in the wound and will not come out, a trip to the doctor will be necessary. Apply Ointment and Bandages : If the wound is in a place that is likely to get dirty or irritated (such as the hand or knee), it is a good idea to cover it with a bandage.

What to do when a wound is infected?

Antibiotic ointment can be used to keep the wound moist and help prevent scarring. You are unlikely to run into trouble while performing first aid for cuts and scrapes at home, but every now and then, a wound may become infected and need medical attention. Make sure to call your doctor if the wound becomes tender and inflamed or drains thick fluid, ...

What is the best thing to have in your home?

One of the best things to have in your home is a first aid kit for treating scrapes and cuts. No matter how careful you are, accidents are bound to happen! By learning basic first aid for scrapes and keeping a stocked kit, you can avoid unnecessary medical bills and be prepared in case of a minor emergency.

Can you stitch a cut on your face?

Minor cuts can be easily treated at home, but gaping cuts or cuts with jagged edges will need to be professionally stitched. If the wound appears deep and is on your face, visiting the doctor is the best way to avoid a scar. Clean the Area: When treating scrapes, it is very important to thoroughly clean the wound before applying a bandage.

What to do if you have a cut on your skin?

There are only a few things you’ll need to do to treat a cut at home. 1. Wash the Wound. The first thing you need to do with cuts is to wash the area with warm water and a bar of mild soap.

How to get rid of a cut on the back of your head?

The first thing you need to do with cuts is to wash the area with warm water and a bar of mild soap. Avoid using things like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine because these can slow the healing process. 2. Dry the Area. Pat the area around the cut dry with a clean towel.

How to treat a bruise on the side of the head?

How to Treat Bruises 1 Apply ice immediately after bruise occurs 2 Apply heat to increase blood circulation 3 Use arnica gel on the bruise

How to get rid of bruises faster?

Here are some ways you can limit the pain caused by bruises and help them fade faster. Apply ice immediately after bruise occurs. Apply heat to increase blood circulation. Use arnica gel on the bruise. In most cases, you don’t have to do anything for a bruise as long as it’s not painful.

Can you cover a cut with a bandaid?

If you’re concerned about the cut getting dirty, you can cover it with a clean bandaid or bandage. Be sure to change this often to avoid infection. From there, you’ll need to continue to check your injury for signs of infection such as heat, swelling, or discharge.

Can you treat a bruise at home?

Now you know how you can treat cuts and bruises at home. As you can see, there are many things you can do which will allow you to avoid an expensive trip to the ER. If you need to seek treatment for a scrape, bruise, or other condition, contact us today or visit us for a walk-in appointment.

Identifying More Serious Injuries

Before considering treating a minor injury yourself, you first should evaluate whether the injury requires medical care. According to ABC News, any injury that seems worrying should be examined by a doctor. Other factors that indicate the need for professional evaluation include:

Minor Burns

Many of us have experienced first-hand some of the most common burns. From the kitchen to the bedroom, there are plenty of places to practice extra caution.

Minor cuts, scrapes and punctures

Here are some recommendations provided by the Washington Post that will help prevent injuries such as small cuts while cooking or opening packages:

Falls

Although fall-related injuries occur throughout the year, the holiday season seems to be a time when individuals do not exercise the caution they might during the less chaotic months. According to the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ), the majority of falls during the holiday season are from ladders, often while hanging holiday lights.

How to get rid of a deep scrape on your hand?

Wash your hands with soap and water. Before you take care of your wound, make sure you have clean hands. As long as your wound is not bleeding excessively, take the time to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. If the deep scrape is on your hands, try not to get the soap on the wound because it will hurt. [3]

How to get rid of a scrape on your face?

Rinse the scrape with warm water. After you determine that the wound is a scrape, rinse it with water. Run water over the wound to remove any debris that may have gotten into it when you were injured. The water should be lukewarm. Continuously run or pour water over the scrape for a few minutes at a time.

What is a scrape wound?

A scrape is a shallow skin abrasion that is over a portion of the skin. If you have a wound that is over .25 inches (0.64 cm) deep, seek medical help to treat the wound and stitch it up. [2]

What is a deep scrape?

A scrape is a wound that generally does not go all the way through your skin, unlike a cut, which generally goes through your skin to the muscle below. Regardless, deep scrapes can be painful and bloody. If you have sustained a deep scrape, you can try treating your injury at home, ...

How to treat a deep cut?

To treat a deep scrape, rinse the wound with clean, lukewarm water so you can remove any debris that may have gotten inside of it. When all the debris is gone, apply solid pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.

What to do if you have a scrape in your throat?

If your scrape is deep or badly infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to take to combat or prevent further infection . The type of antibiotic they prescribe may depend on how serious your infection is or what kind of bacteria are causing the infection.

How to treat a laceration?

Sometimes, a scrape and a laceration can appear similar. Before you treat a scrape, you need to make sure you have one. This is important because lacerations, or cuts, may require sutures (stitches) or glu e for treatment if they are long or gaping open.

How to heal a scab wound?

To help the injured skin heal, use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist. Petroleum jelly prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab; wounds with scabs take longer to heal. This will also help prevent a scar from getting too large, deep or itchy.

What to use for a large sore?

For large scrapes, sores, burns or persistent redness, it may be helpful to use hydrogel or silicone gel sheets. Change your bandage daily to keep the wound clean while it heals. If you have skin that is sensitive to adhesives, try a non-adhesive gauze pad with paper tape.

How to get rid of red spots on a wound?

Apply sunscreen to the wound after it has healed. Sun protection may help reduce red or brown discoloration and help the scar fade faster. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply frequently.

Can burn scars fade?

A burn can turn into a serious injury without proper treatment. Although no scar can be completely eliminated, most scars fade over time. If you’re worried about the appearance of a scar, see a board-certified dermatologist. A dermatologist can answer your questions and talk about ways to make your scar less visible.