Minor Cuts & Scrapes
Taking Care of Injuries & Protecting Your Health
Maybe you were chopping vegetables for dinner and accidentally cut yourself with the knife. Or maybe your child fell off her bike and scraped her knee. Regardless of the cause of the cut or scrape, these injuries should be treated to prevent infection or further complications.
As soon as a cut or scrape occurs, follow these steps:
- Try to stop the bleeding: First, wash your hands. Then, gently press on the cut with a clean cloth. Keep the affected area elevated.
- Clean the cut: Rinse the wound with water to prevent infection and clear out any dirt or debris. Do not get soap or other irritants in the open wound. Apply antibiotic cream or ointment and/or Vaseline.
- Cover with a bandage: Put a bandage or gauze over the wound to keep it clean.
Most cuts and scrapes will heal on their own within a week if they are clean and covered. Using topical antibiotics during the course of the healing process can protect you from infection.
When to Seek Treatment for Cuts & Scrapes
If the cut is particularly deep or if it was caused by a particularly rusty or dirty object, seek medical attention. Do you remember the last time you got a tetanus shot? If it’s been more than five years, you should have a medical professional examine your wound right away.
You should also visit our urgent care center if you start to notice signs of an infection. These warning signs may include severe redness or swelling, fever, drainage from the wound, and worse pain than usual.
Jupiter Medical Urgent Care Center accepts walk-ins. Visit one of our locations in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Stuart or Jupiter today.