Even if the 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 properly cleaning a wound.
Step 1: You should 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 will do the trick if you don't have water.Keeping your hands clean is the most important thing to do if you have a wound.If disposable protective gloves are available, use them.Anything to help prevent infections is a good idea.
Step 2: The cut needs to be washed.
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 is large or deep.
Step 3: Pressure should be applied to stop the bleeding.
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 there is blood in it.Keep up the pressure by adding more.
Step 4: You can use an antibiotic cream.
Clean the area with a paper towel or cloth.Spread a thin layer of antibiotic cream on the cut.Something simple should be more than enough.If you don't have an antibiotic, use petroleum jelly.A mild rash can appear on the skin of people who are allergic to certain ointments.Stop using the ointment if the person starts to get a rash.
Step 5: A bandage should be put over the cut.
You can either apply a band-aid or wrap it in medical tape or a larger bandage.It will help keep the wound clean.Make sure your bandage covers the wound.If the bandage can't cover the part, use another one.You don't need to apply a bandage if the wound is not broken or bloodied.
Step 6: To stop the bleeding, wash your hands.
It's a good idea to wash up with soap and water.Hold a clean cloth or bandage over the wound until it stops bleeding.Don't pull off the cloth 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: Take the wound out of the water.
A puncture wound is 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, you don't want it to stop the 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 do find it.To get out bits that won't wash away, a pair of tweezers should be enough.Don't poke the wound.It will only make it worse if you reach into the puncture wound.
Step 9: A clear substance should be put 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 doesn't stop bleeding, cover it with a bandage.The bandage should be changed frequently to help drain and clean the wound.If you notice redness, pain, or swelling around the wound, you should contact your doctor.