Content

• Steps

Deep cuts can be caused by sharp objects that damage the skin, including simple things like corners or tools to cut like knives. Regardless of the cause, a deep cut is often painful, bleeds a lot of blood, and may require emergency care. If you, or someone else, has a deep cut, you need to consider the dangers of the wound and then treat it immediately.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Wound Examination

1. 

   Check the wound. If you see fat, muscle, or bone through the cut or if it is wide and open, you may need stitches. If you are unsure, you should go to a clinic or hospital to have it checked.
   • Signs that require immediate treatment include: severe pain, heavy bleeding, signs of anaphylaxis (such as the skin becomes cold and sweaty, feels cold or becomes pale).
   • A deep cut is when you can see fat (yellow raised buds), muscle (dark red, fibrous tissue) or bone (hard, ivory-white surface).
   • If the cut does not penetrate deeply into the skin, you do not need stitches and can take care of yourself at home.

2. 

   
   
   Give first aid to serious injuries before seeing a doctor. If you think your cut needs emergency care, you will need to do some work before moving. Quickly rinse the wound under running water to wash off any dirt. Next, apply pressure on the wound with a clean towel or bandage and continue to hold pressure while moving to the emergency room.
   • The wound will be washed again when you visit your doctor to make sure it has been thoroughly disinfected.
   • If the wound is large and bleeding heavily, bandage the wound with a medical towel or gauze, then continue to hold with pressure.

3. 

   
   
   Do not try to clean the wound or seal it with tools available at home. Do not try to remove any objects that do not drift out of the wound when washing them. If some glass or debris is stuck in the wound, you can make the wound worse by removing it yourself. In addition, do not try to sew or seal the wound, as home appliances can cause inflammation, making it difficult for the wound to heal. Don't use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine to clean the cut, as it can take longer to heal.

4. 

   
   
   Ensure safety when moving to the hospital. Do not drive yourself as it is very dangerous. If no one is around and the wound is bleeding severely, it's best to call an ambulance. advertisement

Method 2 of 4: Treating a Deep but Not Serious Cut

1. 

   Clean the cut. Wash with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. Any soap and clean water are fine. Research shows no big difference when using hydrogen peroxide disinfection or antibacterial soap to clean the cut.
   • It is important that you wash the wound thoroughly. If there is dirt, glass, or other objects in the cut that cannot be easily cleaned, or if the wound is caused by a contaminated and rusted object, or by an animal bite, you should see a doctor.

2. 

   Hold with pressure to stop bleeding. After cleaning the wound, press a clean towel or medical gauze over the wound for at least 15 minutes. You can also slow blood loss by keeping the cut higher than the heart's position.
   • If the cut continues to bleed, see your doctor.

3. 

   Bandage. Apply a thin layer of the antibiotic ointment and cover it with a medical bandage. Keep the wound dry and clean by changing the bandage 1-2 times a day until it heals.

4. 

   Follow up to see if the wound is infected or not. When you notice signs of infection, see your doctor. Signs include a burning or red sensation around the wound, drainage of pus, increased pain, or fever. advertisement

Method 3 of 4: Treating a Serious Deep Cut

1. 

   Call or have someone call an ambulance. Get a professional review as quickly as possible. If you and the injured person are alone, you will need to stop the bleeding before seeking help.

2. 

   Wear gloves when you are taking care of others. It is very important to keep the blood of the injured person from you. Medical gloves will help protect you from the infection of someone else's blood.

3. 

   Check the severity of the wound and the patient's response to the wound. Next to it is to check breathing and blood circulation. Ask the client to lie down or sit down if possible to allow them to rest and relax.
   • Examine the wound for the problem. Cut clothing (if necessary) to clearly see the wound.

4. 

   Evaluate the danger of the wound to life. If the wound in the hand or leg is bleeding heavily, have the patient hold it up. Remain in position until bleeding stops.
   • Anaphylaxis can also be life-threatening. If the patient is in shock, keep the patient warm and help him relax.
   • Do not take any object yourself such as glass debris, unless you have been trained to do so; because it can cause a lot of blood loss if the object is stopping the bleeding.

5. 

   Bandage the cut. Place a clean medical gauze over the cut and press gently directly on it.
   • You can use a fabric bandage if you don't have a bandage. If you have a bandage use it to put it around the wound. Don't get the bandage too tight, make sure you can thread two fingers through the dressing.

6. 

   If the blood seeps through the first layer of bandage, apply another layer of bandage. Do not try to remove the first dressing as this may affect the wound.
   • Do not remove the first dressing as it helps to retain the blood clot, preventing further bleeding.

7. 

   Monitor the patient's breathing and blood circulation. Reassure the patient while waiting for help (in severe cases) or until the bleeding stops (less severe cases). An ambulance must be called if the cut is severe and / or does not stop bleeding.
   • Describe the trauma of the person who was injured when you called the ambulance. This will help the ambulance team be better prepared to respond immediately to the scene.

8. 

   Let medical personnel handle the wound. For example, if the cut is deep or infected, you will need a tetanus shot. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can lead to polio and death if left untreated. Many people get tetanus shots and boosters as part of a health care routine every few years.
   • If your wound was caused by a contaminated or rusted object, it is very important to have a booster shot to avoid infection. See your doctor to find out if you need an injection!
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Method 4 of 4: Taking Care of Stitches and Pins

1. 

   Serious injuries that require stitches or staples by medical personnel. If the cut is deep, wide, or open, the doctor will decide to stitch (also known as sutures) or attach a clip to heal the wound. When the doctor stitches the wound or attaches a clip, they wash the cut and inject anesthetic around the wound. After stitching, the doctor will cover the cut.
   • The doctor will use sterile medical needles and thread to stitch the edges of the cut together. This thread is available with time-consuming or indigestible type and must be removed when the wound heals.
   • Staples to heal cuts are special in surgical procedures similar to stitches and must be removed as if the thread does not dissolve.

2. 

   Take proper care of the wound. Taking care of the wound that has been stitched and stapled is very important so that it heals and does not become infected. To do this, you should:
   • Keep stitches or staples dry and bandaged daily. Your doctor will tell you how long to keep it. It will usually be 1-3 days depending on the type of thread and the size of the wound.
   • When wet, use soap and water to gently wash all stitches or staples. Do not immerse the wound in water, like when bathing or swimming. Too much water can take a long time to heal and cause infection.
   • After washing, pat the water dry and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound with a gauze pad or follow your doctor's instructions.

3. 

   Avoid activities or sports that could affect the wound for at least 1-2 weeks. Your doctor will specify how long you should stop. Stitches can tear, causing the wound to open again. See a doctor if that happens.
   • See your doctor right away if you show signs of infection (eg fever, redness, swelling, drainage).

4. 

   See a doctor when the wound heals. The non-dissolving thread and staples will be removed after 5-14 days. Once the thread or staples are removed, protect the scar from the sun with sunscreen or cover it with clothing. Ask your doctor to recommend a topical scarring cream.
   • Creams containing vitamin E or silica can reduce keloid formation (red and raised spots) after a serious wound has recovered.
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