Treating Minor Wounds at Home
Not Every Injury Requires Medical Attention. Here's What You Need to Know.
April 2001 — Scrapes, cuts and gashes are part of life. It's hard to escape childhood without injuries that require a bandage or a couple stitches. Even adults are prone to getting an occasional cut from a piece of broken glass, a nail or other pointed object. Fortunately, most shallow wounds can be treated at home.
The first step is to clean the wound. "The key is to wash the wound thoroughly with clean water to get rid of any debris," says Dr. Stanley Marks, Director of Medical Affairs for Memorial Healthcare System. Dr. Marks does not advocate the use of soap or hydrogen peroxide, both of which "may do more harm than good," he says.
If desired, a topical, over-the-counter antibiotic such as Bacitracin or Neosporin may be applied to kill any bacteria. "If using a topical antibiotic on a child, take care that the child has no allergy to the product," Dr. Marks warns. "An allergic reaction is uncommon, but it can happen."
A wound does not need to be covered unless it is located in an area that is hard to keep clean, such as the hand. "If you do use a bandage or gauze pad, take it off at night to inspect the wound for bleeding or oozing," says Dr. Marks. "Nonstick dressings can decrease the discomfort of this procedure."
Most uncomplicated wounds heal in a few days. Warning signs of trouble include growing redness, swelling, pain, drainage or heat. "If any of these occur, you may have an infection and should seek the advice of a physician," says Dr. Marks.
So when does a wound require more than a little tender loving care at home? It depends on the location and depth of the injury.
"A sharp object can easily cause a large, gaping or jagged wound. Stitches can help such wounds heal cleanly, safely and quickly. Stitches may also reduce scarring and should be considered for any large, deep or complex wound," says Dr. Marks.