Cuts and Grazes
Overview
- Adapted from NHS
- Most cuts and grazes are suitable for self-treatment at home. However, there are some that require an urgent visit to accident and emergency and others that require medical assessment due to infection or risk of infection
Treatment of minor cuts and grazes
- Wash your hands and put on disposable gloves if available. Apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding, using a clean absorbent material. Raise any affected limb above heart level
- When bleeding has stopped, clean using drinkable water (bottled or tap) or sterile wipes. The surrounding skin can be cleaned with soap and water or antiseptic (but the person should try to not get antiseptic into the wound). Dry with a clean tea towel or gauze swab. Apply a plaster or other sterile dressing to help prevent infection
- Remove the dressing once the wound has closed over. This normally takes a few days
- If necessary, use simple analgesics, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to treat the pain
When to refer to A&E
- Call 999 if the bleeding cannot be stopped, or if blood is coming out in spurts and is bright red — apply firm, direct pressure to the wound while waiting. Bleeding cannot be stopped or is from an artery
- Nerve damage – loss of sensation or movement
- Deep cuts on the face or palm of hand
- Foreign body is stuck in the wound (the person should not try to remove this themselves)
- Serious injury – large or deep wound/extensive damage
When to refer for urgent medical assessment
- If the wound has been contaminated with bodily fluids or dirt including soil (and still contains dirt after it has been cleaned)
- The cut/wound is swollen, red and getting more painful or pus is coming out of it
- The cut/wound is larger than around 50 mm (5 cm)
- If the cut/wound was caused by a bite from a wild or stray animal, or a human
- Feeling generally unwell and have a high temperature after cutting yourself