Sherman Health Safety Tips: Caring For Cuts and Scrapes
This arcticle is taken from the Fall 2009 issue of Sherman’s Destinations Newsletter. To download a copy of your own, click here!
Most cuts and scrapes heal quickly when cared for the right way. Below, Shaun Mathen, D.O., Family Practice Physician with Sherman Health, offers some safe care tips:
- Wet it. Place the wound under cool running water or pour water over it.
- Clean surrounding skin. But try to avoid the wound; soap, peroxide and antiseptics can irritate it.
- Remove remaining dirt. Use tweezers cleaned in rubbing alcohol.
- Stop the bleeding. Press gently but firmly with a clean cloth, tissue or gauze. To slow bleeding, raise a wounded limb above the heart.
- Bandage a wound that will get dirty or be rubbed by clothing. Antibiotic ointments also can keep a wound clean and discourage infection. But they’re usually unnecessary for minor cuts and scrapes.
- Leave scabs alone. They’re the body’s own bandages.
- For a wound that is deep or has jagged or separated edges, call your doctor or visit an immediate care center. You may need stitches or a tetanus booster. You also should get medical help if the cut gets tender, swollen or red, as these are signs of infection.
If you or a loved one has a deep wound to take care of, click here for information on Sherman’s Immediate Care Centers. They’re located throughout the Fox Valley area!
