If you have a minor laceration or abrasion, or a shallow cut that bleeds little, you should know that it can be treated with home remedies. On the other hand, if the wound is bleeding a lot, if it is gaping, if it is deeper than 0.6 cm or if it was caused by metal, a thrown or impaled object, or an animal bite, it is important that you go to the emergency room. To prevent infections and reduce the risk of scarring, take steps to help your wound heal faster. If it continues to bleed after 10 to 15 minutes, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: cleanse the wound and apply a bandage
Step 1. Wash your hands
Before even touching the open wound, you should wash your hands with mild soap and water. If possible, try to wear gloves to protect the wound from exposure to bacteria and germs from the hands.
If you are treating someone else's wound, wearing medical gloves helps protect your hands and prevent the spread of germs
Step 2. Rinse the wound under running water
This will help remove debris and dirt from the wound. Avoid rubbing or scratching the wound while rinsing it off, as this may further damage the surrounding area.
Step 3. Use a clean, dry cloth to stop the bleeding
Using a clean, dry cloth, apply pressure evenly over the area to be treated for several minutes until the bleeding subsides. A minor wound should stop bleeding within a few minutes once you apply pressure to the skin.
If the bleeding does not stop after you have applied pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, see your doctor. The wound may be too deep and you cannot treat it at home
Step 4. Elevate the wound above the heart to slow the bleeding
If you have injured your leg, toe, or feet, place the affected body part on a cushion or chair so that it is above the heart. If you've injured your arm, hand, or finger, lift the part above your head to try and reduce the bleeding. If you have injured your chest, head or genitals, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Any head injury requires immediate medical attention.
If the bleeding does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes and you have raised the affected area, see your doctor anyway
Step 5. Apply antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly
Using a clean gauze, apply your product. This will help keep the area moist and prevent infections, which will speed the healing of the injury.
Be careful not to apply excessive pressure to the wound when applying the cream or petroleum jelly, especially to the red or swollen areas
Step 6. Put on a bandage
If you have a light cut, use a bandage large enough to cover the entire wound.
Step 7. Apply gauze
If it is a puncture or abrasive wound, you can take a piece of gauze large enough to cover the entire wound. Otherwise, use a pair of clean scissors to cut the gauze well. Place the lump on the wound and then use duct tape to hold it.
If you do not have gauze handy, it is possible to use a bandage, as long as it is large enough to cover the entire wound
Step 8. Use over-the-counter pain relievers
When you have an open wound, you might feel pain and irritation during the healing process. To ease the pain, try taking paracetamol every 4 to 6 hours, or just follow the doctor's instructions. Please read the package leaflet carefully, follow the dosage and never exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid taking aspirin, as it can make bleeding worse
Part 2 of 3: Facilitate Healing
Step 1. Change the bandage 3 times a day
Before applying the bandage, be sure to wash your hands. Remove the dressing in the direction of hair growth to avoid damaging the skin. If the crust formed remains stuck to the dressing, wet the bandage in a saline solution (1 tablespoon of salt and 4 liters of water). Otherwise, use sterile water. After soaking the bandage for a few minutes, gently remove it.
- If the scab remains stuck to the bandage, soak it again until it can easily peel off the bandage. Avoid tearing it off to avoid damaging the wound and causing it to bleed again.
- Before putting on the bandage, consider applying antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the skin moist and speed up the healing process. If you are using a piece of gauze, you can also put petroleum jelly and ointment on it before applying it to the wound.
Step 2. Avoid scratching or touching the wound
In the early stages of the healing process, open wounds can be itchy or irritated, especially when scabs begin to form. Resist the urge to touch, scratch, or rub the wound, as this will slow healing. For example, you can wear thick clothing that will cover the wound so that you won't be tempted to touch it.
If desired, apply your ointment to keep the skin moist and prevent itching during the healing process
Step 3. Do not use strong topical antiseptics
Isopropanol, hydrogen peroxide, and iodine are caustic substances that can burn tissue, further damage the skin, and lead to scarring. Using petroleum jelly and an antibiotic ointment is more than enough to keep the wound sterile and clean.
Step 4. Keep the wound covered and protected
Avoid exposing it to air as this will slow healing and cause scarring. Keep it bandaged at all times, especially when you go outside and expose your skin to the sun.
- The only time you can remove the bandage is when taking a shower or bath, as moisture is good for the wound.
- As soon as the wound has healed and a layer of skin forms, you can expose it to the air. Continue to apply the bandage to protect yourself in case it might reopen, for example when you play sports.
Part 3 of 3: See a doctor
Step 1. See a doctor if you have a deeper injury
Any wound as deep as 0.6cm usually requires medical attention and sometimes stitches for better healing. If you have such a sore, do not try to treat it at home, as it may become infected or cause scarring.
Step 2. See your doctor if it does not heal within 2 to 3 weeks
A wound that doesn't heal and begins to heal can be more serious than you think. In this case, you must seek medical attention. Go to your doctor for treatment.
Step 3. See a doctor in case of infection
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus, see a doctor as soon as possible. If you wait longer, the infection may get worse. Your wound may be infected if it is:
- inflamed,
- Red,
- swollen,
- painful,
- filled with pus.
Step 4. Go to the hospital in case of animal bite
All animal bites, no matter how small, should be examined by a doctor. When the doctor sees a victim of a dog bite for consultation, he is required to make a declaration to the town hall of the animal's home.
- Most bites, mild or severe, should be treated with an antibiotic such as amoxicillin.
- If your wound was caused by a bite from a wild animal, you should be vaccinated against rabies.
Step 5. Allow your doctor to treat the wound
The healthcare professional will examine the wound to determine its severity. He may then recommend stitches to help the wound heal.
- If the cut is slight, he could close the wound using medical glue.
- On the other hand, if it is large and deep, he will use medical thread and a needle to sew up the wound. A week later, you should go back to the doctor to have the stitches removed.
