Content

• Steps

In everyday life, you may experience minor injuries or skin abrasions. For example, a fall can cause knee scratches, and placing your elbows on a rough surface can cause skin scratches. Such injuries usually do not damage the skin and are not so serious. You can easily treat the wound at home with a few simple ways below.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Clean wounds or scratches

1. 

   Wash your hands with soap and water. Before treating your or someone else's wound, wash your hands with warm water and soap. If you are dealing with someone else's wound, you should wear disposable gloves. Wear non-latex gloves as some people are allergic to latex.

2. 

   
   
   Stop bleeding. If the wound or scratch is still bleeding, gently absorb the wound with a clean towel or cotton swab, and then lift up the injured part of the body to stop the bleeding. The bleeding usually stops after a few minutes.If the bleeding continues after that time, the wound has become quite serious and you should see your doctor immediately.

3. 

   
   
   Clean the wound or scratches. Clean the wound with clean water and soap. You can also use a clean towel. Every effort should be made to remove visible dirt and wash gently so that the wound does not get worse.
   • Sometimes you need to use sterile tweezers to remove dirt from the wound. If all dust or other objects cannot be removed, see a doctor immediately.
   • Strong substances such as iodine or hydrogen peroxide should not be used. These substances can cause severe skin damage.
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Part 2 of 2: Bandage the wound

1. 

   
   
   Use antibiotic ointment. Apply a little ointment to the cleaned wound. Both Polysporin or Neosporin are good topical medications that can fight infection and help skin heal quickly.
   • Stop applying the antibiotic ointment if you get a rash.

2. 

   Bandage. Use a sterile dressing to keep the wound free of infection. You do not need to do this if the wound is too small. Example: If the skin is only slightly scratched then no bandage is required. In fact, leaving the wound open can speed up the healing process.

3. 

   Change the dressing regularly. If the wound has been bandaged, it should be changed whenever it gets wet or dirty. Usually a new dressing should be changed at least once a day. If the wound has crusted or healed, no dressing is needed. Then, leaving the wound open for fresh air to blow in can help the wound heal faster.

4. 

   Watch for infections. If the wound shows signs of infection, the doctor should immediately consult a doctor. Signs of infection may include: swelling, redness, feeling a little warm, draining pus, or growing pain. Also watch for red streaks near the wound or a fever. advertisement