How to Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches

Treating cuts right away lessens the chance that an infection will start.

Things You'll Need

• Adhesive Bandages
• Antibacterial Ointments
• Antibacterial Soaps
• Butterfly Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands before and after tending a wound.

• 2

  Rinse the wound with clean water. Flush out all dirt and debris.

• 3

  Using clean gauze, put pressure on the wound to stop any bleeding.

• 4

  Clean the area around the injury with soap and water or Betadine, but avoid getting any solution inside the wound.

• 5

  Leave the wound open to the air unless there is a chance that you'll be exposing it to dirt or infection. In that case, bandage the wound loosely, allowing air to get in.

• 6

  If the wound edges are open, use a butterfly bandage'a butterfly-shaped bandage that brings the edges of the wound together and reduces scarring'to close straight, clean, superficial wounds.

• 7

  Call your doctor if you detect signs of infection, which include redness, warmth, redness up the arm, or oozing or drainage from the wound.