How to treat minor cuts

Minor cuts are common yet easily taken care of. A minor cut is one that is not causing a large loss of blood and will not require stitches. If a deep wound occurs, medical treatment is required immediately.

The first thing to do when treating a minor cut is to clean the wound using warm or cool water which you'll run gently over the wound until the bleeding stops and all debris is cleared. You want to make sure any debris like dirt is removed because during healing stuck debris can cause irritation or infection.

After cleaning the wound, pat it dry gently with a soft non sticky clothe. Apply antibiotic cream before applying a bandage. Then find a bandage whose gauze pad is large enough to cover the wound without adhesive edges sticking to the actual wound. The bandage should fit securely but not so tight that it cuts off circulation or causes pain.

Change your bandage every other day or so being careful to remove it slowly as not to disturb scabbing. Do not be alarmed if there is some redness on the wound or on its edges. However if redness appears to be spreading from the edges of the wound this may be the start of an infection.

Be sure to reapply antibiotic cream before recovering the wound. Any indication of deep infection such as dark red, bluish, or blackened skin should be seen by a medical professional.

Most minor cuts heal with no markings in a few days; some may cause minor scars depending on how your body heals. Most minor cuts will not lead to infection and if covered will generally not be a gateway for viruses and bacteria.