Effective First Aid for Minor Wounds

Small injuries to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, or punctures, requiring basic first aid and possibly medical attention if infected.

Minor Wounds FAQ

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What is a minor wound?

A wound is a break or damage to the skin surface. Minor wounds do not usually need medical attention and can usually be treated with first aid. What causes wounds, cuts and grazes? Wounds can be caused by something sudden, such as a cut, a fall or a bad knock. Cuts, grazes and lacerations are all examples of wounds.

Are minor wounds life threatening?

Many minor wounds result in damaged skin cells that lose their function and need time and simple treatment to heal. Most common wounds are superficial, limited to the outer skin layers. Some are deeper, reaching the underlying tissues and organs. Depending on the cause, site and depth, a wound can range from simple to life threatening.

What is a minor open wound?

Minor open wounds such as cuts, grazes and scratches are commonplace injuries in everyday life. They can be caused by falls and other accidents. Minor wounds can usually be treated at home with items from your first aid kit. Serious injuries and injuries that do not stop bleeding require immediate medical attention, however.

How is a minor wound assessed?

Evaluation – The assessment of minor wounds includes determination of allergies (eg, to local anesthetics, antibiotics, or latex), status of tetanus immunization ( table 1 ), mechanism of injury, presence of foreign body, extent of the wound, neurovascular or tendon injury, and cosmetic significance of the wound. (See 'Evaluation' above.)

How do I know if my wound is infected?

If you wound shows signs of infection, please see the nurse at the surgery again as soon as possible. Signs of infection include pain, heat, swelling, redness, offensive smell, thick yellow or discoloured discharge around the wound site.

How long can you Wash a wound?

You can wash after 24h hours, but please ensure you dab the wound dry afterwards. If you wound no longer requires a dressing, keep clean and dry. Allow water to wash over this gently, no direct high pressure water to the wound until fully healed.

What should I do if I have a wound?

Check the wound and make sure there's nothing stuck in it. If there's nothing in the wound, put pressure on it using a bandage or a clean, folded cloth (such as a tea towel) for 10 minutes. If there's something stuck in the wound, do not try to take it out. Make sure not to press down on the object.

What factors should be considered when planning a wound repair approach?

Consider the type of injury (laceration, puncture, crush, abrasion), anatomical location, and patient characteristics when planning an approach to wound repair Manage precipitating factors that led to the injury (eg, syncope)