Paper Cuts: Causes, Treatment & Prevention | Health Professionals

Thin cuts caused by small, sharp-edged objects are called paper cuts. They usually occur on the fingers and are painful because fingers contain many nerve endings. In addition to paper, these cuts can be caused by cardboard, razors, sharp-edged construction materials and scissors. Paper cuts can be superficial or deep and they may cause some bleeding. It is important to properly treat your paper cut to reduce the risk of infection.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap
• Ice cube
• Antibiotic cream
• Cotton swab
• Adhesive bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the area of the cut with mild soap and water.

• 2

  Hold an ice cube directly against the skin for 10 minutes to numb the area and decrease pain.

• 3

  Dry the area thoroughly with a clean towel, or allow the area to air dry.

• 4

  Place a pea-sized amount of triple antibiotic cream on a clean cotton swab. Apply a very thin layer of the cream over the cut.

• 5

  Apply an adhesive bandage to cover the wound completely.

• 6

  Wash the wound daily and apply a clean bandage until the skin has healed.