Overview
Cuts
Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Minor wounds should begin to heal within a few days.
Treatments
Cuts and grazes are treated by stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound and finally covering it with a dressing. The bleed should be stopped by applying a dressing (bandage or dry clean towel) to the wound with pressure for several minutes.
For cuts on the hand or arm, the limb should be raised above the head to reduce blood flow. A cut on a lower limb should be raised above the level of the heart by lying down and raising the limb.
Once the wound has stopped bleeding it should be cleaned and covered with a dressing to help stop it becoming infected.
To do this:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
- Clean the wound under running water
- Pat the area dry with a clean towel
- Apply a sterile adhesive water proof dressing or plaster
The dressing should be changed regularly and once the wound has closed, the dressing can be removed. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken if needed.