A cut generally goes through your skin to the muscle below, whereas a scrape is a wound that generally doesn't go all the way through the skin.It can be painful and bloody.You can either treat your injury at home or go to the doctor's office.It is possible to compress, wash, and bandage deep scratches at home.
Step 1: Determine how deep the wound is by examining it.
A laceration and a scrape can look the same.You need to make sure you have a scraper.If lacerations are long or gaping open, they may need stitches or glue for treatment.A shallow skin scratch is over a portion of the skin.If you have a wound that is over.25 inches deep, you should seek medical help to treat it.
Step 2: You should wash your hands with soap and water.
Make sure you have clean hands before you take care of a wound.If your wound is not bleeding excessively, you should wash your hands with soap and water.Don't use soap on the wound if it's on your hands because it will hurt.If you don't have access to soap and water, rub your hands with hand sanitizer until they feel dry.
Step 3: Warm water can be used to rinse the scrape.
You should rinse the wound with water if you determine it is a scraper.Run water over the wound to remove any debris that may have gotten into it.The water should be cold.For a few minutes at a time, run or pour water over it.Make sure there is no more debris in the wound.If you are not in a place where there is a clean and available water source, you can remove the debris by brushing it away with a cloth.If you see excessive bleeding, rinse it off as soon as possible.Move on to the next step.Most healthcare professionals don't recommend pouring antiseptics over a wound.The chemicals may slow down the healing of the damaged tissue.
Step 4: Pressure should be applied to stop bleeding.
You need to stop the bleeding after removing large debris.To cover the wound, take a clean cloth, towel, or gauze.Firm pressure should be applied to the wound.Don't worry if you only have a used shirt or dirty cloth.Your wound is dirty because it hasn't been washed.Stop the bleeding.Don't check the wound for at least 15 minutes after applying pressure.The blood clot will not form if you stop applying pressure too soon.
Step 5: If the wound is serious, seek medical attention.
If your compression cloth becomes soaked with blood, you should seek medical attention immediately.You need more advanced help from a doctor if your wound is severe.This can happen with large bumps, such as road rash.If you have a medical condition, such as bleeding or clotting disorders, diabetes, or circulation problems, you are more likely to get hurt.If you have any of these health concerns, you should call your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic.
Step 6: Any that is stuck in debris should be removed.
Pieces of debris may be stuck in the skin that did not come out with rinsing.Extra debris in the skin can be seen after the bleeding has stopped.Tweezers can be used to gently remove debris.If the debris doesn't come out, you should see your doctor.Don't try to get the tweezers into the wound.You don't want to get hurt more.You can move on if you don't find any debris.
Step 7: Apply antibiotic cream to the skin.
Even if you have removed all of the dirt and debris, there is still a chance that your wound could become infectious.Applying antibiotic cream to the wound is a good idea because of this.It won't crack and get worse when you move around, so this ointment will keep it moist.The area of the wound should be covered with a thin layer of antibiotic or petroleum jelly.3 of the most common products used are Neosporin, Polysporins and Bacitracin.Neosporin Pain/Itch/Scar is a multi-action antibacterial that can reduce pain and itching as well as preventing infections and promoting faster healing.You can buy them over the counter.
Step 8: Bandaged the wound.
Wrap your wound with a large bandage.Put medical tape on the edges.This will help keep the environment clean.You may be able to use a large band-aid if you don't have a big bruise.Drug stores and pharmacies have these supplies.If the wound is close to a flexible joint, it may be easier to manage.It will be less likely to fall off if you secure it with this kind of gauze.
Step 9: It's a good idea to change the dressing at least once a day.
You can apply fresh dressings if you take the bandage off.This is a good time to look at the wound and check for any infections.Don't leave a dressing on for more than 24 hours.If the bandages get wet or dirty, you should change them.
Step 10: There are signs of infections, such as redness or swelling.
You may still get an infection despite your efforts.This will be dependent on a number of factors, including your age, overall health, and any conditions such as diabetes and obesity.Your healing time can be affected by these.If redness expands from one day to the next, look out for it.The wound may start oozing or draining.Increasing pain, swelling, or warmth around the wound are signs of an infection.You may also feel unwell.
Step 11: If you suspect an illness, go to the doctor.
If the bleeding will not stop after applying pressure, you should seek medical attention.You should see a doctor if you have had a wound for a long time and have noticed that it has gotten sick.Blood poisoning and other life threatening situations can be caused by infections that linger.If your skin is warm around the wound or it's leaking yellow or greenish discharge, call your doctor.Go to the hospital if you see bright yellow or black around your wound.
Step 12: If you haven't had tetanus in the last 5 years, you should.
A tetanus shot is recommended for wounds that are deep or dirty.If you haven't had a tetanus shot recently, this is important.The shot should be given as soon as possible after the injury to make sure you don't get tetanus.Severe, painful muscle spasms can be caused by tetanus.
Step 13: If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should take them.
Antibiotics can be prescribed by your doctor to combat or prevent further infections.The type of antibiotic they prescribe is dependent on how serious your infection is.When taking the medication, follow your doctor's instructions.Depending on how painful your wound is, you may be prescribed painkillers.Since this could affect which antibiotics you can use safely, tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are taking.If you have any medication allergies or health conditions that could affect which antibiotics you can take, let your doctor know.