What to do with cuts and grazes

What to do with cuts and grazes

Whether you nick your finger cutting vegetables or your child grazes their knee, it’s important to know the correct first aid treatment.

Cuts:

Minor cuts can be treated in a similar way to grazes. However, if a cut has punctured major blood vessels, you must try to stem the bleeding. In the event of severe bleeding:
Apply pressure to the wound with your hands (wear gloves if available)
Cover the wound with a dressing and continue to apply pressure
Try to raise the injured area above the person’s heart
Continue to add dressings and keep applying pressure until you can seek medical attention
Call 000 if you cannot stem the bleeding

Grazes:

Abrasions occur when the surface layer of the skin is broken. They can be very painful because they sever tiny nerve endings just under the skin. Thin-skinned bony areas (elbows, knees and ankles) are most susceptible to abrasions.

Clean the wound with a sterile cloth, and use an antiseptic
Try using a product to remove embedded dirt as it contains a surfactant
If you can’t remove the debris gently, leave it for a doctor to clean out
Rinse the wound after five minutes with saline or flowing tap water
Cover the cleaned wound with an appropriate non-stick sterile dressing
Change the dressing according to the instructions
If you reapply antiseptic, rinse it off before redressing

Tips:

Always wash your hands before treating cuts and grazes
Seek medical attention for all wounds to or near your eye
You may need a tetanus booster, check with your doctor
If the wound begins to produce pus, swell, smell or you develop a temperature – seek medical attention urgently

Our friendly team at Chemistworks can help you find the right dressings for any cuts and grazes. Come and visit us!