Whether it is a scraped knee, a small cut in the kitchen, or a more serious injury, properly cleaning a wound is one of the most important steps in preventing infection. Here are some simple steps and tips to keep in mind.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Always wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching the wound. If available, wear disposable gloves to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Most small cuts stop bleeding on their own after a few minutes.
Step 3: Rinse the Wound
Hold the wound under cool running water for several minutes. This helps flush out dirt, debris, and bacteria. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly in the wound, as these can sometimes damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Mild soap can be used around the wound, but should not be placed deep inside it.
Step 4: Remove Debris
If small particles such as gravel or glass are stuck in the wound, use sterilized tweezers to gently remove them. Do not dig into the wound. If you cannot remove debris easily, seek medical attention.
Step 5: Apply Ointment and Cover
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection and keep the wound moist, which promotes healing. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or clean dressing. Change the dressing at least once daily, or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty.
Step 6: Monitor the Wound
Check the wound daily for signs of healing. Watch for redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus, which may indicate infection.
Tips and Tricks
- Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling
- For scrapes, gently pat the skin dry instead of rubbing
- Allow small wounds some air exposure once they start to heal, but keep them covered when in contact with dirt, pets, or water
- Encourage children to keep bandages on by using fun designs
When Not to Wait to See a Medical Professional
Seek care right away if:
- The wound is deep, gaping, or longer than half an inch (may need stitches)
- Bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- The wound was caused by an animal bite or a rusty or dirty object
- You have not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years
- The wound shows signs of infection, such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever
Cleaning a wound promptly and properly is the best way to support healing and prevent infection. For wounds that are large, deep, or show signs of infection, do not wait to be seen by a healthcare provider. You can always come into Marque for wound evaluation and treatment.