Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds

Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds

Bad Bugs Slideshow

Medical Author: John P. Cunha, DO
Medical Editor: Willam C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?
• Who should seek medical care for a cut?
• What are the signs of a wound infection?
• How are puncture wounds different?
• Will I need a tetanus shot?
• Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds At A Glance

What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?

The first step in the care of cuts and scrapes is to stop the bleeding. Most wounds respond to gentle direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Hold the pressure continuously for approximately 10-20 minutes. If this fails to stop the bleeding or if bleeding is rapid you should seek medical assistance.

The next step is to thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water. Remove any foreign material, such as dirt or bits of grass, that might be in the wound and which can lead to infection. You may use tweezers (clean them with alcohol first) to remove foreign material from the wound edges, but do not dig into the wound as this may push bacteria deeper into the wound. You may also gently scrub the wound with a washcloth to remove dirt and debris. Hydrogen peroxide and providone-iodine (Betadine) products may be used to clean the wound initially, but may inhibit wound healing if used long-term.

Cover the area with a bandage (such as gauze or a Band-Aid) to help prevent infection and dirt from getting in the wound. A first aid antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin can be applied to help prevent infection and keep the wound moist.

Continued care to the wound is also important. Three times a day, wash the area gently with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Also, change the bandage immediately if it gets dirty or wet.

Who should seek medical care for a cut?

If you cannot control the bleeding from a cut, seek medical attention. Any cut that goes beyond the top layer of skin or is deep enough to see into might need stitches (sutures), and should be seen by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Generally, the sooner sutures are put in, the lower the risk of infection. Ideally, wounds should be repaired within six hours of the injury.

People with suppressed immune systems (including diabetics, cancer patients on chemotherapy, people who take steroid medications, such as prednisone, or people with HIV) are more likely to develop a wound infection and should be seen by a healthcare professional.

Any wound that shows signs of infection should be seen by a healthcare professional (the "What are the signs of a wound infection" section).