CALL 911 FIRST if emergency services are available. This page is for backup/offline reference.
Cuts, Scrapes & Minor Wounds
Minor injuries with bleeding that can be controlled. Focus on cleaning and preventing infection.
Recognize the Signs
- Bleeding that stops within 10 minutes of pressure
- Wound doesn't go through full skin depth
- No exposed bone, tendon, or foreign objects
- Less than 1/2 inch deep, less than 3 inches long
Action Steps
Wash your hands
Soap and clean water, or use nitrile gloves if available. Infection prevention starts here.
Stop the bleeding
Apply direct pressure with clean cloth for 5-10 minutes. Elevate if on a limb.
Clean the wound
Flush with clean water (drinkable) for 1-2 minutes. Remove visible debris. Use tweezers cleaned with alcohol if needed. Avoid hydrogen peroxide — it damages healing tissue.
Apply antibiotic
Thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or antibiotic ointment (Neosporin). Research shows simple petroleum jelly is often as effective.
Cover the wound
Sterile bandage or gauze. Should be snug but not constricting. Change daily or when wet/dirty.
Watch for infection
Red streaks spreading from wound, pus, increasing pain, swelling, fever, warm to touch — all indicate infection.
Do NOT Do
- Do NOT use hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly in wound — damages tissue
- Do NOT close deep wounds with bandages — they need to drain
- Do NOT use butter, mud, or folk remedies
- Do NOT ignore redness or increased pain after day 2
Aftercare
Change bandage daily. Keep clean and dry. Healing timeline: small cuts 3-7 days, larger wounds 1-3 weeks. Scar management once closed.
When to Get Professional Help
Get medical care if: bleeding won't stop after 10-15 min pressure, wound is deep/gaping/longer than 1/2 inch, caused by animal/human bite or rusty object, shows infection signs, or tetanus shot is more than 10 years old.