First Aid: Cuts and Scrapes

Step 1. Control bleeding

• Apply direct pressure for at least 5 minutes.

• Raise the area till the bleeding stops.

Step 2. Clean and cover

• Always wash your hands before touching the wound.

• Cleaning the wound:

  • Wash the scrape or cut with soap and water to kill germs and remove dirt and foreign objects.

  • Prevent getting soap into the wound.

• Apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment to minor cuts and scrapes that don't need medical attention (see below). Do this only if there are no known allergies to the ointment.

• Cover the wound with a clean gauze dressing to reduce the risk of infection and further injury. Keep the dressing in place with a gauze or cloth bandage.

• Don't tie or tape the bandage too tight.

When to contact the doctor

Call the doctor or get medical care right away if any of the following is true:

• The wound covers a large area or is deep.

• It is difficult to remove the debris from the wound.

• The injury is on the face or any other area where scarring is a concern.

• The person needs protection against tetanus. This is a disease caused by bacteria that may enter any break in the skin and bring on a life-threatening illness called lockjaw. A tetanus booster shot (injection) may be needed if it's been more than 5 years since the last tetanus vaccine.

Call 911

Call 911 if the injured person has:

• Uncontrollable bleeding (continue to control bleeding with direct pressure).

• Shock symptoms, which can include:

  • Pale or clammy skin.

  • A gray or bluish tinge to lips or fingernails.

  • A pulse that is so light or races so fast that you can't count the beats.

  • Rapid breathing.

  • Enlarged pupils.

  • The person is confused or unable to concentrate or stares blankly. Over time, the person may even become unconscious.

• A detached body part:

  • Wrap all pieces of the detached part in a sterile gauze, or a damp paper towel or washcloth. Put them in a sealed, dry plastic bag or other container first. Do not place the part directly in water.

  • Then put the bag or container in another bag or container with ice or cold water to improve chances for reattachment. Dry ice should not be used.

  • Send the parts to the hospital along with the person.