Guidelines for taking care of minor wounds such as cuts or scrapes.
Wash your hands.
Wash your hands with a hygiene soap to help avoid infection.
Stop the bleeding.
- Usually minor wounds stop bleeding on their own. If not, you can apply gentle pressure by using a sterile bandage or a clean cloth.
- Elevate the wound.
Clean the wound.
- Use clear water to rinse the wound.
- Clean around the wound with a diluted antiseptic liquid and cotton wool.
- Cleaning the wound with antiseptic liquid can help reduce the risk of infection.
Apply an antiseptic cream.
Apply a thick layer of antiseptic cream to the wound to help keep the surface moist.
Cover the wound.
A bandage or Band-Aid plaster can help to keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out but if it is a minor scrape or scratch, leave it uncovered.
Change the bandage or Band-Aid plaster.
Change the bandage or Band-Aid plaster at least once a day or when the bandage or Band-Aid plaster becomes wet or dirty.
Ref: J&J internal data
