Even if the cuts, scratches, and puncture wounds are not very serious, they can still be very painful.Cleaning off the cut is the first step in any first aid.Infections, pain, inflammation, and other problems can be mitigated by cleaning a wound correctly.
Step 1: Don't wash your hands.
Your hands should be clean if you are going to be near an open cut.Before handling any bandages, wash them with soap and water.An antibacterial cleanser can be used if you don't have water.Keeping your hands clean is the most important thing to do if you have a wound.If disposable gloves are available, use them.Anything to help prevent infections is a good idea.
Step 2: Put the cut in a container.
To clean your wound, use soap and water.Keep soap out of the cut.You can see how big the cut is by washing it.Don't try to apply a bandage on your own if it's large or deep.
Step 3: If you want to stop the bleeding, you have to apply pressure.
Before you put on anything, make sure the cut isn't bleeding anymore.The bleeding stops if you hold a sterile bandage or clean cloth on the cut.A tissue might be enough to absorb the blood if the cut is small.That is better if you can get a clean cloth.Don't check the wound until the bleeding has stopped.That can cause the bleeding to stop.Don't remove the cloth from the cut if the blood starts to show up.Keep up the pressure by adding more on top.
Step 4: An antibiotic cream is needed.
Clean the area with a paper towel or cloth.Spread a thin layer of antibiotic cream over the cut.Something simple should be more than enough.If you don't have an antibiotic, you can use petroleum jelly.A mild rash can appear on the skin of people who are allergic to certain things.Stop using the ointment if the person starts to get a rash.
Step 5: There is a bandage over the cut.
You can either apply a band-aid or wrap it in medical tape or a larger bandage.This will help keep the wound clean.The entire wound should be covered by your bandage.If the bandage can't cover the parts, use another one.If the wound is not broken or bloodied, you don't need to apply a bandage.
Step 6: You can wash your hands to stop the bleeding.
To prevent infections, wash your hands with soap and water.Hold a clean cloth or bandage over the wound to stop the bleeding.Don't check the wound until the bleeding has stopped.That can cause the bleeding to stop.Don't remove the cloth from the cut if the blood starts to show up.Keep up the pressure by adding more on top.
Step 7: Put the wound under the water.
A puncture wound will be deeper than a cut.You can rinse your wound under the water for about 5 minutes.You can wash your wound with soap once you are done.
Step 8: Look for something in the wound.
The object that caused the wound could be dirt, splinters, or something else.If there is a foreign object in the wound, it could lead to an infection or prevent proper healing.If the puncture is deep and the object that caused it is still inside, leave that object in and go to the hospital.It will cause more bleeding if it is removed.Don't use your fingers to remove something if you find it.A pair of tweezers should be enough to get out bits that won't wash away.Don't poke in the wound.It will only get worse if you reach into the puncture wound.
Step 9: Put something over the cut.
Put a thin layer of antibiotic cream over the cut to promote healing.If you don't have an antibiotic, you can use petroleum jelly.If the cut continues to bleed, cover it with a bandage.The bandage should be changed often to help clean the wound.If you notice redness, pain, or swelling around the wound, you should contact your doctor.