prevent-injury-infection

A cut can be really uncomfortable and hurtful if not treated carefully. Moreover, if remained untreated it can also lead to an infection from cut. In our daily lives, we often get cuts because of various reasons. It could be the result of your negligence or any mishap. Nearly all cuts can be treated at homes from getting any severe infection. But the crucial element of treating any cut is cleaning it properly and keeping it covered until it starts to heal. Being cautious until it gets better is vital to make it better. Here we're going to list a few good tips to keep your cuts secure from getting any infection or worsening it. 

Sanitize your hands before treating cut: 

The cut might already be infected with debris and bacteria. In such a case, you don't want to transmit the bacteria of your hands to the cut. For this, you should first wash your hands with soap entirely before touching the cut. This eliminates the chance of transmitting any outer bacteria within the cut or wound. If you're the one who has been the victim of a cut, wash your hands carefully without making any contact between the cut and soap. 


Rinse the cut under the tap water: 


You need to clean your cut by washing it under tap water. It's better to wash it under fresh water. Wash it for at least 3-5 minutes to clean it thoroughly. If you feel any itching, don't do it. Itching or rubbing the cut can only intensify the already done damage. Once the bleeding stops, you don't need to wash it further. 


Apply pressure with a clean cloth: 


After the cut is clean and washed properly, you need to stop the bleeding by putting a clean cloth on the cut with pressure. Applying pressure for about 5 minutes would do the work. Remove the cloth gently to see if the bleeding has stopped. Don't remove the cloth harshly as it can resume the bleeding. Try to keep the cut above your heart to help stop the bleeding more effectively. 


Take out any residue from the cut: 


Here, using tweezers can be very handy. Sterilize the tweezers by using any alcohol-based liquid before using it in the cut. The cut may have any residue left because of the injury. Using the tips of the tweezers, carefully remove the residue with utmost care. If you're unable to get it out because of its depth, get medical attention to treat it properly. 


Dry the cut using cloth: 


As the cut has been washed, to treat it further, you need to dry the cut. Use a clean cloth or a towel to dry it and the area around the cut. Don't blast air on the cut as it can increase the chances of getting an infection due to bacteria in the air. Clean the cut thoroughly. 


Apply antibiotic ointment: 


Get an antibiotic ointment and apply a layer of it on the cut. If you don't have one at that time, you can use Vaseline. Don't use any tissue or cotton to apply it as the particles from these can harm the cut. Use your finger to apply it on the cut cautiously. Applying a thin layer of ointment would do the work for now.   


Cover the cut with a bandage: 


After applying the ointment, you have minimal chances of contracting any infection. But still, the cut needs to be covered in order to secure it completely. Use a bandage to cover the cut entirely. Make sure you cover every area of the cut. Now secure the bandage by using a tape. Don't use anything other than tape to secure the bandage as it can cause an allergic reaction or infection.  


Change the dressing every 2nd day: 


To disinfect the cut, you need to change the dressing every 2nd day to keep it clean. If the dressing is wet, then change it immediately as it can create a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Repeat the process of cleaning the cut every time you change the dressing.