Infections heal without any problems when properly treated.Minor infections can be cleaned and treated at home.Clean your cut with soap and water, apply an antiseptic or antibacterial solution, and cover it with a clean bandage.If you have symptoms of a more serious infection, you should see a doctor.If your doctor recommends antibiotics, you should take them according to their instructions.
Step 1: You should wash your hands.
Before touching your cut, wash it with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.After touching the cut, wash your hands with soap and water.Unless you change the bandage or clean the cut, don't touch it.Infections can be worsened by scratching or playing with it.
Step 2: The cut should be cleaned.
Use warm water and gentle soap to wash the cut.This will remove infectious microbes.After washing the cut, rinse it with warm water and then towel it off.The healing process can be slowed by irritation of the injured tissue and the use of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
Step 3: An antiseptic or antibacterial solution can be applied.
To wipe a cut with an antibiotic, use a clean cloth, cotton swab, or paper towel.After it touches your cut, throw the pad or swab away.Don't put more ointment on the swab or put it on a countertop.You can apply it whenever you change the dressing.
Step 4: A sterile bandage should be used to cover the cut.
If you want to keep the cut clean, dress it with a bandage.Change the dressing at least 3 times a day.Don't let the sticky part of the bandage touch the cut.Don't touch the part of the bandage that comes into contact with your cut.
Step 5: If the cut was caused by a bite or rusty object, see a doctor as soon as possible.
If you get bitten or cut yourself on something dirty, seek medical attention as soon as possible.Humans and animals are more likely to cause serious infections than other cuts.tetanus infections can be caused by cuts or punctures from rusty objects.
Step 6: If you have a condition that is interfering with healing, you should see a doctor.
If you have diabetes, an immune disorder, cancer, or other medical conditions that interfere with proper healing, a medical professional should examine your cut.There could be serious consequences from the underlying condition.You probably don't need medical attention if you have a minor paper cut.A deeper cut that isn't healing is a cause for concern.
Step 7: If your pain gets worse after a day or two, call your doctor.
It will take a couple of days for your cut to heal.If it doesn't get better, or if it becomes more painful, you can visit a health clinic or schedule an appointment.
Step 8: A doctor can examine a cloudy discharge or an abscess.
A red, warm lump is what an abscess looks like.It feels like it is filled with liquid.Your doctor might have to drain an abscess if you don't have a culture for it.Don't attempt to drain an abscess on your own.
Step 9: If you have severe symptoms, seek emergency care.
It is possible that the infection has spread to other parts of your body.Infections from cuts can be life threatening.If you experience any of the following, see a doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
Step 10: Tell your doctor where you got the cut.
They will perform a physical exam if you need to see a doctor.Let them know how and when you got cut, when your symptoms appeared or started worsening, and any antibiotics or other medications you have recently taken.The best course of treatment will be determined by this information.
Step 11: Get a skin culture.
Your doctor will most likely take a sample of the discharge, cut a small tissue sample, or wipe the cut with a swab.The sample will be tested for specific germs.The results will let them know if you need antibiotics or not.If you have an abscess, they will drain it and take a culture of it.
Step 12: Antibiotics and other medication should be taken as directed.
Take your medication according to your doctor's instructions.If you have a cut, don't stop taking it.If you stop taking antibiotics early, the infections will come back and get worse.Taking an over-the-counter drug for pain can be recommended by your doctor.
Step 13: Discuss hospitalization for serious infections.
In rare cases, skin infections can lead to life threatening conditions.If necessary, you will be admitted to a hospital for specialist care, which may include IV medication or surgery to remove infections.