Minor wounds on the surface of the skin can be treated without going to the hospital.Start by stopping the bleeding and looking at the wound.If the wound is small and not very deep, you can clean and dress it up at home.It can heal with minimal scars if it is cared for correctly.If you have a deep wound that is gaping open or shows fat or muscle under your skin, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Step 1: You can wash your hands with soap and water.
You can wash your hands with soap.You don't want to put germs in the wound if you touch it.If you are cleaning someone else's wound, wear disposable medical gloves.If you don't have disposable medical gloves, you can wash your hands with soap and water.
Step 2: If you want to stop the bleeding, you have to apply pressure.
If the wound is bleeding, use a dry cloth to apply pressure.Keep the pressure on for 15 minutes.You can stop the bleeding by elevating the wound above your heart.You may need stitches if the wound doesn't stop bleeding or slow down after you apply pressure.Go see your doctor.
Step 3: If the wound is small, do home care.
If the wound is on the surface of your skin, or if it is less than.64 cm deep, you can dress it at home.If the wound is bleeding profusely, make sure it is not too painful.
Step 4: If the wound appears dirty, see your doctor.
If you can see fat or tissue in the wound, it's time to see your doctor.The doctor will need to clean out the dirt and the wound will have to be sterized to prevent it from getting infections.
Step 5: If the wound is from an animal bite, it's best to go to the doctor.
All animal bites that break the skin need to be seen by a doctor.They will follow an established protocol that you won't be able to complete on your own.Most animal bites will be treated with an antibiotic.If you get bitten by a wild animal, you will need a vaccine for the disease.
Step 6: Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
If the wound is deep and dirty, your doctor may suggest that you get a tetanus shot.They may recommend that you get stitches to close a deep wound.Most deep wounds will heal on their own.Depending on how deep they are, they may scar.
Step 7: Use soap and water to wash the wound.
Place the wound under the water.Don't get soap in the wound by cleaning around it with the soap.
Step 8: The wound must be flushed with a solution.
Use a pre-made solution to rinse the wound.You can make your own solution by mixing salt and water in a cup.
Step 9: Don't use hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
harsh antiseptics can damage and irritate your skin, so don't use them on the wound.It will work just fine with running water, soap, and a mild saline solution.
Step 10: Dry the wound with clean cloth or towel.
You don't want to damage the wound or irritate it, so be gentle when you dry it.
Step 11: To remove debris from a wound, use tweezers.
Rub alcohol on the tweezers to remove dirt.Go to the doctor if there is a lot of debris or if it is deep in the wound.It's a good idea to remove the debris yourself.
Step 12: If you have a wound, put a layer of medicine on it.
This will keep the wound moist.Make sure you clean the wound first.Use clean gauze to apply the Jelly or Ointment.
Step 13: A small bandage can be used to bandage a small wound.
If the wound is less than 3 inches in diameter and not very deep, you can use a bandaid.Don't touch the sticky side of the bandaid, it will go on the skin.The middle part of the bandaid should be over the wound.
Step 14: There is a large wound.
If the wound is more than 3 inches in diameter, place a large bandaid on top of it to keep it covered.A piece of gauze can be cut to cover the wound.Attach it to the wound with medical tape.The tape needs to be secure but not tight so that it doesn't cut off circulation.
Step 15: Whenever it gets dirty, change the dressing 2 times a day.
Remove the old dressing and replace it with a new one if the covering gets dirty or soaked in blood.The wound should stay clean if this is done 2 times a day.You can change the dressing when you wake up in the morning.
Step 16: You should keep the wound moist and covered.
The wound should be covered throughout the day to keep it moist.The chances of scarring are reduced by keeping the wound moist.If you want the wound to heal, it's best to uncover it in the shower.
Step 17: If you see blood, replace the bandage.
If the bandage is bloody, replace it with a clean dressing.If the bandages continue to get dirty quickly, you should go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Step 18: If you see signs of an illness, you should see a doctor.
If you see that the wound is getting worse, you should go to the doctor.Your doctor can treat the wound to make it better.An oral antibiotic may be prescribed to clear up the problem.If the wound is hot to the touch and very red, you should see a doctor.
Step 19: Allow 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal.
Within 2 weeks, most minor wounds will heal.If the wound is small, it may heal on its own.It is possible that wounds that are deeper and larger will scar.If a minor wound doesn't heal in 1-2 weeks, go to the doctor.