by Andrea D. Hutchinson

Created on: March 25, 2008

Minor cuts and scrapes are common household and playground occurrences, easily cared for in the kitchen or the car. Everyone has a first aid kit around, if not, they have the necessary items around the house, right? But what about more than your everyday cut? They can be cared for properly, as well, one does not have to be an EMT to treat cuts and scrapes.

The process of caring for minor cuts at home is simple. Cuts are defined as wounds having the edges close together. Depth and length of the cut will determine the severity.

Calmly reassure the person with the cut, while assessing the severity of the wound. Yes, a simple cut is considered a wound, it is the severity that determines the level of treatment necessary. The next step is to stop the bleeding by applying direct, firm pressure with a, preferably, clean cloth or gauze. If none is available use the closest thing available or your hand or finger if necessary. The bleeding should stop, with pressure within five to ten minutes. If bleeding seeps through apply more pressure. Remove pressure when the bleeding has stopped.

The indication for professional or emergency medical attention during this stage of treatment would be as follows:
- if the bleeding does not stop within ten minutes
- if the wound is bleeding bright red and is spurting or pumping blood, this indicates injury to the artery.

After the bleeding has stopped the cut needs to be cleaned. Rinse the cut with clear, cool water (warm or hot water may cause a continuation of the bleeding or further injury to the area). Attempt to remove any foreign materials such as: dirt, gravel or glass, with tweezers if necessary. If bleeding re-commences apply firm, direct pressure, again.

The indication for professional or emergency medical attention during this stage of treatment would be as follows:
- the foreign material cannot be removed

After foreign materials have been removed and the cut is no longer bleeding, clean with antiseptic. Finally apply antibiotic ointment and the appropriate size bandage for infection prevention. Monitor for further bleeding and signs of infection.

Signs of infection are:
-continued or increased pain
-warm or hot to the touch
-wound area becomes red
-cloudy or yellowed discharge

First Aid for scrapes are easily cared for at home as well. Much the same care instructions apply. Scrapes are usually a large area, primarily superficial wound.

Assuming the bleeding has subsided, treatment can begin. Clean area as above, remove all foreign material:

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