If you have kids, then you have definitely experienced your share of treating cuts and scrapes. It’s a part and parcel of everyday life.Usually cuts and scrapes do not require a visit to the emergency room.
A visit to the hospital is only warranted if the cut or wound is bleeding profusely and the bleeding won’t stop or if something has gone into the wound to cause an infection.
Here are some guidelines to help you treat the scrape or cut:
- Clean the cut-Wash your hands first so as not to cause an infection. Then after putting on some gloves, clean the injured area with water.Do not use hot water to clean the wound.
- Apply pressure-Apply firm but gentle pressure with a cloth or sterile bandage.
- Antiseptic antibiotic-Once the bleeding subsides, apply an antiseptic antibiotic like Neosporin or polysporin to help prevent infection to the wound.
- Cover the wound-For small cuts and scrapes, a band aid will suffice. For a larger wound, use a sterile dressing.
- Tetanus-Watch for signs of infection such as swelling, redness. It’s better to be safer than sorry. If required take a tetanus injection by visiting your nearest doctor.
Monitor the scrape and wound for a few days. Do not neglect them as minor as some might be quite serious if not attended to by a physician