The most common injuries incurred during accidents or activities are cuts and grazes that can happen with or without an individuals notice. Normally such minor injuries aren’t thought to be serious enough to warrant much attention. In many cases such an injury can be treated at home without any difficulty.
How to treat cuts and grazes
Despite the lack of concern that such wounds bring it is still necessary to clean and dress the injury in a proper manner. How the wound is tended to depends on the situation the individual finds themselves in when the injury occurs. The very first thing to do in any case is to stop the bleeding. After that, it is necessary to elevate the wound in regards to where it occurred. If the wound is on the upper part of your body, elevate it over your head. If the wound was inflicted upon the lower part of your body, make certain to elevate it over your heart. In both cases, it is recommended to lie down so that elevation of the wound is easier and not as taxing.
Dressing the wound
There are several steps to properly dressing a cut or a graze, though more often than not cuts will be tended to in a different manner. The steps to take are as follows:
1) Stop the bleeding.
To halt the initial bleeding it is recommended to use a towel or whatever is available, so long as it is relatively clean.
2) Clean the wound.
Make certain your hands are as clean as possible, as dirt and other materials can become lodged in a wound and cause infection. Rinse the wound in water, without soap. After this take a clean towel and dry the affected area.
3) Bandage the wound.
Make sure to use a sterile bandage to bind the wound. If the cut continues to bleed keep it clean and change the bandage every so often. Use a fresh bandage each time to avoid infection.
The pain of a cut or graze will eventually subside, and the wound itself will heal in about a week or so depending on the severity. If the pain persists, most over the counter pain medications can dull or completely block out the sensation to allow for continued activity. If this doesn’t work then consult a doctor right away.
When to seek medical attention
Most cuts and scrapes are easy to heal at home, and will not become a serious matter if taken care of properly. Most physicians will prescribe antibiotics to take care of any infections.
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FACT CHECK
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/wounds-cuts-and-grazes
https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/cuts-and-grazes/