Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: How to clean a cut or scratch
• Method 2 of 2: How to clean a puncture wound
• Tips
• Warnings

Even minor cuts, scrapes, abrasions and puncture wounds can be very unpleasant and painful. First of all, you need to clean the cut to assess how deep it is and decide what to do next. It will also help prevent infection, wound inflammation, and other complications.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: How to clean a cut or scratch

1. 1 Wash your hands. You can only touch your own or someone else's wound with clean hands. Before applying ointment and bandages to your cut, wash your hands with soap and water and then dry them.
   • If it is not possible to wash your hands, as a last resort, you can treat them with an antibacterial agent. The main thing is to clean your hands in any way possible so as not to infect the wound.
   • If you have disposable gloves, you can wear them. Gloves are generally optional, but if other options are not available, gloves are a good way to protect the wound from infection.
2. 2 Press down on the cut to stop bleeding. Make sure the wound is not bleeding before applying the ointment and bandaging. Apply a sterile bandage or clean cloth to the cut and press down. Wait for a blood clot to form and the bleeding stops.
   • If the cut is small, a tissue may be sufficient, but it is still better to use a clean piece of cloth.
   • Do not lift the tissue to examine the wound until the bleeding has completely stopped. This may cause bleeding to resume.
   • If the tissue is completely saturated with blood, do not remove it from the wound. Just place another piece of cloth on top and continue to apply pressure.
3. 3 Flush the cut. Rinse the wound with water. Soap can be used to cleanse the skin around the cut, but be careful not to get it into the wound.
   • By washing the cut, you can see how deep it is. If the cut is large or deep, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible and not try to bandage yourself.
4. 4 Use an antibacterial ointment. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the cut to prevent infection of the wound. You can use ointments Neosporin, Polysporin and the like.
   • There may be an allergy to the ointment, which manifests itself as a small rash on the skin. If a rash develops, you must stop using the ointment.
5. 5 Bandage the cut. You can use a special bactericidal adhesive plaster. You can also put a piece of gauze on the cut and secure it with ordinary adhesive tape or bandage. The dressing will protect the wound from dirt and bacteria.
   • It is important that the dressing completely covers the wound. If uncovered areas remain, apply another bandage.
   • If you just have a minor scratch or abrasion, the skin is intact and the wound does not bleed, you do not need to apply a bandage.

Method 2 of 2: How to clean a puncture wound

1. 1 Wash your hands and stop bleeding. Wash your hands with soap and water to prevent infection of the wound. Cover the wound with a bandage or clean cloth and hold until the bleeding stops.
   • Until the bleeding has completely stopped, do not lift the tissue to examine the wound. This can lead to renewed bleeding.
   • If the tissue is completely saturated with blood, do not remove it from the wound. Just place another piece of cloth on top and continue to apply pressure.
2. 2 Rinse the wound under running water. The puncture wound will be deeper than the cut. In order to thoroughly rinse such a wound, it is necessary to hold it under running water for about 5 minutes. Then wash the skin around the wound with soap and water.
3. 3 Make sure there are no foreign objects in the wound. It could be dirt, debris, or an object that caused the wound. There should be no foreign objects in the wound, as they will interfere with healing and may cause infection. If the wound is deep and contains the object that caused the wound to form, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Do not remove the piercing object yourself, as this will lead to increased bleeding.
   • Do not touch the foreign object with your fingers. Anything that could not be washed out with water, remove with alcohol-treated tweezers.
   • Be careful not to pierce the wound further. Sticking your finger or tweezers into the wound can make it worse.
4. 4 Cover the wound with a bandage. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment to the wound, then cover with a bandage. Make sure the bandage covers the wound completely.
   • Change the dressing to a clean one as needed if the wound continues to bleed. Seek medical attention for a doctor to examine the wound.

Tips

• In order to thoroughly rinse a deep wound under running water, you can use a shower, not a sink.
• If the wound is small, do not clean it with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as this will unnecessarily irritate the wound surface. It is better to rinse the wound under running water.
• Observe the wound for several days to ensure that the healing process is proceeding without complications. Swelling, redness, and increased soreness may indicate an infection. If you develop these symptoms, see your doctor.

Warnings

• If you are scratched or pricked by a rusty or other metal object such as a fish hook or nail, or if you are bitten by an animal, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Don't blow on an open wound. You won't be able to blow dirt or other debris off the wound, but it can cause infection.
• If the wound is large or deep, or a bone is involved, call an ambulance.