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Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)

Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)

Does my cut need stitches? — If your cut does not go all the way through the skin, it does not need stitches (figure 1). If your cut is wide, jagged, or does go all the way through the skin, you will most likely need stitches.

If you are not sure if your cut needs stitches, check with your doctor or nurse. Sometimes they will use special staples instead of stitches. Doctors can also use a special type of skin glue to close certain types of cuts.

This article is about caring for minor wounds (like small cuts and scrapes) that do not need to be closed with stitches, staples, or skin glue. If you got stitches, staples, or glue, your doctor or nurse will tell you how to care for yourself.

What if I have a puncture wound? — A "puncture wound" is a type of cut that is made when a sharp object, like a nail, goes through the skin and into the tissue underneath. This type of wound can also be caused by animal or human bites. Puncture wounds are more likely than other minor wounds to get infected.

If you were bitten by an animal or human, see your doctor or nurse. Bite wounds need special care.

How do I take care of a minor wound on my own? — To take care of your wound, follow these basic first aid guidelines:

Clean the wound – Wash it well with soap and water. If there is dirt, glass, or another object in your cut that you can't get out after you wash it, call your doctor or nurse.

Stop the bleeding – If your wound is bleeding, press a clean cloth or bandage firmly on the area for 20 minutes. You can also help slow the bleeding by holding the wound above the level of your heart, if possible. If the bleeding doesn't stop after 20 minutes, call your doctor or nurse.

Put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound

Cover the wound with a bandage or gauze. Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change the bandage 1 to 2 times every day until your wound heals.

Do not swim or soak your wound in water until it has healed. Ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions.

Each time you change the bandage, look at your skin to check for signs of infection. These include redness that is getting worse or spreading, swelling, or warmth in the area. You might see some thin clear or yellow fluid as the wound heals, which is normal.

Most minor wounds heal on their own within 7 to 10 days. As your wound heals, a scab will form. Do not pick at the scab or scratch the skin around it.

When should I call the doctor or nurse? — Call the doctor or nurse if you have any signs of an infection. Signs of an infection include:

Fever

Redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain around the wound

A bad smell coming from the wound

Pus (thick yellow, green, or gray fluid) draining from the wound

Red streaks on the skin around the wound, or red streaks going up your arm or leg

Will I need a tetanus shot? — Maybe. It depends on how old you are and when your last tetanus shot was. Tetanus is a serious infection that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, and even lead to death. It is caused by bacteria (germs) that live in the dirt.

Most children get a tetanus vaccine as part of their routine check-ups. Vaccines can prevent certain serious or deadly infections. Many adults also get a tetanus vaccine as part of their routine check-ups. Getting all your vaccines is important, since it's possible to get tetanus even from a small wound.

If your skin is cut or punctured, and especially if the cut is dirty or deep, ask your doctor or nurse if you need a tetanus shot.

More on this topic

Patient education: Taking care of bruises (The Basics)
Patient education: Stitches and staples (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin glue for minor cuts (The Basics)
Patient education: Animal and human bites (The Basics)

Patient education: Animal and human bites (Beyond the Basics)

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Feb 02, 2024.
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