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Cuts and scrapes: first aid and care

Minor cuts and scrapes are common injuries. Cleaning the wound quickly and protecting it from dirt helps it heal well and prevents infection.

Do this now

  1. Wash your hands with soap and clean water before touching the wound, or put on clean gloves if available.
  2. Apply gentle, steady pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop any mild bleeding.
  3. Rinse the wound thoroughly under cool or lukewarm running tap water to remove dirt and debris.
  4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or plain ointment to keep the skin moist, then cover with a sterile bandage.
  5. Watch for signs of infection over the next few days.

How to clean a cut or scrape

Clean water is the most important part of wound care. Hold the injury under running tap water for several minutes. Gently wash the skin around the wound with soap, but try to keep soap out of the cut itself, as it can irritate open tissue.

If dirt or small pebbles remain in the wound after rinsing, clean a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol and carefully remove the particles. Do not pick at deep or embedded objects.

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol directly inside cuts or scrapes. Medical guidelines from health agencies recommend plain clean water because harsh chemicals can damage healthy skin tissue and slow healing.

Dressing and protecting the wound

Keeping the wound moist prevents scarring and helps new skin cells grow. Apply a thin layer of plain petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment before covering the injury.

Cover the cut with a sterile adhesive bandage or a non-stick gauze pad secured with medical tape. Change the bandage at least once a day, or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Once the wound has formed a firm scab, you can leave it uncovered to air out.

When to seek medical attention

Some cuts require professional medical care or stitches to heal properly. See a doctor or visit an urgent care clinic if:

  • The cut is deep, gaping, or has jagged edges.
  • Bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
  • The wound was caused by a dirty object, rusty metal, or an animal bite.
  • You have not had a tetanus booster shot in the last 5 to 10 years.
  • The injury is on the face, neck, or over a joint.

Signs of infection

Check the wound daily for signs of bacterial infection. Contact a healthcare provider if you notice:

  • Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the cut.
  • Red streaks spreading outward from the wound.
  • Yellow or green pus draining from the injury.
  • Increasing pain that gets worse rather than better.
  • A fever or general feeling of illness.

... note "First aid training" Basic wound care is an essential skill taught in standard first aid courses. Taking a course with the Red Cross or a local emergency provider will help you handle injuries with confidence.