If you have a small laceration, or a shallow cut that isn't bleeding very much, you'll be able to treat it at home with some first aid.You will need to go to the emergency room if your wound is larger than 4 inch (0.64 cm) and was caused by metal, an animal bite, or an impaled or thrown object.The best way to heal open wounds is fast.Seek professional medical care if the bleeding doesn't stop after a few minutes.
Step 1: You should wash your hands.
Clean your hands before touching the wound.If you can, put on gloves.This will protect the wound from being exposed to germs.If you are touching someone else's open wound, wear medical gloves to protect your hands and prevent the spread of germs.If you don't have access to soap and water, you should use a hand sanitizer if you have it.
Step 2: Under the warm water, rinse the wound.
Let the water wash the wound.If you pick at the wound, it can cause more damage.After rinsing from the center of the wound, pat the area dry with a clean cloth.If possible, use sterile saline solution to rinse the wound.If you have a commercial wound cleaner, you can use it.If you have soap, use it to wash the wound.Try to avoid getting soap directly in the wound.Don't use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wound.Slow down healing can be caused by these chemicals.
Step 3: Direct pressure should be used to stop the bleeding.
Press on the wound with a dry cloth and apply pressure with your hands until the bleeding stops.Once you apply pressure to the wounds, they should stop bleeding.If the wound doesn't stop bleeding after you apply pressure, you should go to the doctor.You might not be able to treat the wound at home.
Step 4: You can slow the bleeding by elevating the wound above your heart.
If the wound is on your foot, place it on a chair or cushion so it sits above your heart.If the wound is on your arm, hands, or fingers, raise it above your head to help slow the bleeding.If the wound is on your body, seek medical attention as soon as possible.All head injuries need to be evaluated by a doctor.You should see your doctor if the open wound doesn't stop bleeding after 10 minutes.
Step 5: The antibiotic or petroleum jelly should be applied to the wound.
If you want to apply 1-2 layers, use clean gauze.This will keep the area moist and will speed up healing.Don't press too hard on the open wound, especially if it is red or swollen.It's a good idea to use a special wound dressing to keep your wound moist and protected.Most drugstores have over-the-counter dressings.
Step 6: The bandage should be on a small cut.
Band-Aid is large enough to cover the cut.The sticky glue on the bandage could cause irritation to the wound.
Step 7: There is a larger wound.
If you want to cover an open wound, take a large piece of gauze and cut it with scissors.Attach it to the wound with medical tape.If you don't have bandages on hand, you can use a Band-Aid that is big enough to cover the entire wound.
Step 8: Take over-the-counter pain medication.
As the wound heals, it may feel sore.To help with the pain, take either Tylenol or Ibuprofen every 3-6 hours or as specified on the label.Don't exceed the recommended amount if you follow the dosage on the label.aspirin can cause a wound to bleed, so don't take it.
Step 9: The dressing should be changed 2 times a day.
Before changing the dressing, wash your hands.The bandage should be removed in the direction of your hair growth.If you notice that the scab is stuck to the bandage, you can either soak it in a mixture of salt and water or use sterile water.After the bandage has dried, gently remove it.If the scab is still stuck to the bandage, you should soak it again.If you tug or pull on it, it can damage the wound and make it bleed again.After removing the bandage, rinse the wound with warm water or sterile saline solution and pat it dry with a clean cloth.To promote healing, apply antibiotic or petroleum jelly to the wound or the bandage.If the bandage gets wet or dirty, it's time to change it.
Step 10: Pick or scratch the wound.
Once it starts to heal, the open wound can feel itchy and irritated.Resist the urge to pick, scratch, or rub at the open wound as this will slow the healing process.You don't want to touch the wound, so keep it covered.Ointment can keep the skin moist and prevent it from itching as it heals.
Step 11: Don't use strong antiseptics on the wound.
Hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and iodine are caustic and can burn your tissues, damaging your skin further and causing scarring.It's more than enough to keep the wound sterile and clean.
Step 12: Protect the wound by covering it.
If you expose the open wound to air, it will slow down healing and lead to scarring.If you expose your skin to the sun, keep the wound bandaged at all times.The shower or bath is the best place to take off the bandage.You can expose the wound to the air once it has healed.It should be bandaged for protection when it reopens, such as at sporting events.It is important to cover wounds that are exposed to a lot of dirt or irritation from your clothing, such as on your hand or knee.
Step 13: Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods.
Good care of your body will help you heal faster.Drink a lot of water and eat a balanced diet while your wound heals.Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of colors will give you all the vitamins and minerals you need.Lean meats, eggs, yogurt, nuts, and beans are some of the healthiest sources of nutrition.If you have a medical condition such as diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about how to fast safely.
Step 14: Go to the doctor if the wound is larger than 4 inch.
Professional medical care and sometimes stitches will be required for wounds that are this deep.Don't try to treat them at home as this can lead to infections and scarring.
Step 15: If the wound doesn't heal in a few weeks, see your doctor.
If the wound does not close and begin to heal, you may need professional medical care.You should see your doctor for treatment.Delayed wound healing can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Step 16: If the wound appears to be infectious, seek medical care.
You should see a doctor if you see signs of an illness.If you delay, the infection could get worse.If it's a hot red wound, it could be an infectious wound.
Step 17: If the wound is from a bite, go to the doctor.
Even small animal bites need to be seen by a doctor.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a protocol that they will follow.Most bites need to be treated with an antibiotic.If you were bitten by a wild animal, you may need to get a vaccine.If you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, your doctor might recommend one.
Step 18: Allow the doctor to treat the wound.
Your doctor will look at the wound to see how bad it is.They may recommend stitches to close the wound.Medical glue can be used to close a small cut.They will use medical thread and a needle to close a large wound.You will need to return to the doctor's office about a week later to have the stitches taken out.