Self-help Guides

If the cut and wound is small and limited to the surface of the skin with minor bleeding, you can treat it on your own.

You should see a doctor right away if:

• the wound is large or deep
• the wound is jagged
• you can see fat, muscle, or bone at the injury site
• the wound does not stop bleeding or slow after applying pressure for 5 minutes
• you are in a lot of pain or cannot use your limb
• you have a medical condition or are taking medications that may affect your body's ability to deal with infection
• you were bitten by an animal or person
• there is still dirt in the wound after cleaning it
• you have not had a tetanus shot in more than 10 years or you've had less than 3 tetanus doses

Non-medication treatment

Stop the bleeding.

• Apply firm, gentle pressure to the injury site using a clean cloth or gauze for about 20 minutes. Avoid lifting up the cloth or gauze too soon, because this can cause more bleeding. Add new gauze or cloth on top of what is already in place. Keep the wound clean.
• Wash the area with cool tap water to remove bacteria and foreign debris that can lead to infection and prevent proper healing. Hold the wound under running water, or pour water from a cup onto the wound.
• You can try using sterilized tweezers to remove any particles trapped in the wound. Place a bandage or dressing on the open wound for 1 to 3 days.
• This protects the wound so it can heal more quickly. Change the bandage or dressing every day after cleaning the wound with mild soap and water. You might have to change the bandage more than once a day if it appears dirty or gets wet. Use ice packs or heat therapy.
• If you have a closed wound (the skin is not broken), such as a bruise, try placing an ice pack on the wound for 20 minutes every few hours. Wrap the ice in a towel first to prevent yourself from getting a frostbite. After the first day, a warm water bottle might be helpful. Elevate the injured area.
• Try to keep the wound above the level of your heart. This can reduce swelling by drawing fluid away from the injured site and can also promote healing.

Over-the-counter medications

Pain relievers:

• Acetaminophen* is a good choice if you are experiencing pain.
• Pramoxine* is applied to the wound site to numb it and reduce pain.

Topical (surface-applied) antibiotics (polymixin b, gramicidin):*

• Minor cuts and wounds usually heal fine without antibiotics, but these creams or ointments may prevent infection and stop the wound from sticking to the bandage.

*These medications come in a variety of forms and strengths. Ask your pharmacist which over-the-counter medication is right for you.

* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

You should start to see your wound closing and your symptoms subside in a few days. The wound should be dry and pink, and you may notice a scab form on top of it. Avoid picking the scab - it is part of the healing process and will fall off on its own when the time comes. It may take several weeks for the wound to heal completely, depending on the severity of the wound.

You should see a doctor if:

• you notice any signs of infection: fever, pus, continued swelling, tenderness, or the wound is still red and oozing
• the wound continues to weep, look red and raw, or does not appear to be closing
• you still experience pain despite taking pain medication