First Aid Slideshow Pictures: Caring for Wounds

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD on Monday, August 29, 2011

A Bit of Blood Is Good

Blood helps clean wounds, so a little bleeding is good. Most small cuts and scrapes stop bleeding pretty quickly, but you can help by applying firm, gentle pressure with gauze or a tissue. If blood soaks through, put another piece of gauze or tissue on top, don't remove the old one or you may separate the wound and start the bleeding again.

Clean Cuts and Scrapes Gently

Ouch! Got another cut or scrape? Your first step is easy: Soothe and clean the wound with cool water. Then remove any pebbles or splinters with alcohol-sterilized tweezers. Gently wash around the wound with soap and a washcloth. Do not use irritating soap, iodine, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide -- fresh, clean water should be all you need.

Do You Need an Antibiotic Cream?

Antibiotic creams and ointments not only keep wounds moist but they can reduce the risks of infection. If you do use an antibiotic, apply a thin layer on the wound. Certain antibiotic ingredients can trigger a rash in some people. If you get a rash, stop using that ointment.

To Bandage or Not to Bandage?

If your scrape will be rubbed by clothes, cover it with a bandage. An uncovered scab or scrape is at risk of reopening or infection. When in doubt, cover it up with an adhesive bandage to keep out the bacteria (and your prying fingers), then change the bandage daily.

Signs of Adhesive or Latex Allergy

If you feel like it's itchy, blistery, or burning under your bandage, you may have an allergy to the adhesive used in some bandages. For sensitive skin, try switching to sterile gauze and paper tape, or an adhesive-free dressing.

Signs of Healing

Almost as soon as you get a cut or scrape, your body begins healing your injury. White blood cells attack infection-causing bacteria. Platelets, red blood cells, and fibrin create a jelly-like clot over the wound and soon a protective scab forms. If your wound gets itchy, be gentle -- you want that scab to stay where it is.

Quick Care for Minor Burns

Most of us have had a small burn or two. To treat one, cool the area right away with a cold cloth or cool water to keep the skin from holding the heat and continuing to burn. Afterward, wash the burn with soap and water and dress it lightly. Leave any blisters that form alone -- they help to protect the skin as it heals.

Caring for Surgical Wounds

Taking care of a surgical wound is similar to taking care of cuts and scrapes. You'll probably have to protect the incision with a bandage for a few days, and change the dressing daily. Follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your stitches or staples. You'll also want to keep the area dry, and report any increase in bleeding or redness to your doctor.

Recognizing Signs of Infection

If there's skin redness that spreads out from your injury, swelling, green or yellow fluid, or increased warmth or tenderness around your wound, you may have an infection. Other signs include swollen lymph nodes at your neck, armpit, or groin, as well as body aches, chills, or fever. If you have any of these signs, give your doctor a call.

See a Doctor About a Wound That...

...won't stop bleeding after 5-10 minutes of pressure; is deeper or longer than a half-inch; is near the eye; is gaping or ragged; was caused by something dirty or rusty; has dirt or gravel stuck in it; is very painful; shows signs of infection; or was caused by an animal or human bite. Also see a doctor if you aren't sure if you're up to date on your tetanus vaccine.