Wounds and cuts may seem harmless, but mismanagement of your wound can lead to life taking infections, like Sepsis. If you experience an open wound or a cut, its best to know the right way to take care of it to ensure you do not catch any life threatening infections. Most of the open wounds, cuts or scratches are minor and can be treated at home.

These techniques can help you in healing minor cuts:

Immediate assistance

1. Wash your hands. Make sure your hands are properly washed in order to avoid infection.
2. Stop the bleeding. Some of the minor cuts usually stop bleeding on their own. If necessary, apply gentle pressure on the wound with a clean bandage or cloth until bleeding stops. If blood is soaked through the material, don’t remove it. Cover it with more cloth or gauze on top of it and continue to apply pressure. If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart, to help slow bleeding. Don’t forget to wash your hands before and after giving first aid. Make sure not to apply a bandage unless the bleeding is severe and does not get controlled with direct pressure.
3. Clean the wound. Gently rinse the wound with tap water. Always remember, keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection. Make sure to wash the area around the wound with soap avoiding direct contact with the wounded surface. Ensure there is a usage of disinfectant to kill the bacteria, it may cause irritation but can be controlled with mild ointments. Remove any sort of dirt with a pair of sanitized tweezers.
4. Protect and Cover the wound. Apply a very thin layer of an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep the top surface moist, it will help in preventing scars. Covering the wound keeps it clean. Apply a bandage or a gauze with the help of a paper tape. If the injury is just a minor cut or a scratch, it can be left uncovered.

Follow up and Dressing

1. Change the dressing. Make sure to change the dressing at least once a day or whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty.
2. Sanitize the wound. Always remember, keeping the wound clean will help in its prompt recovery. Gently wipe the surrounding surface with a disinfectant or a soapy liquid with the help of a cotton pad. Avoid any sort of direct contact with the wound which may cause irritation.
3. Get a tetanus shot. It is advised to get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in the past five years and the wound is deep or dirty.
4. Visit a doctor for the signs of infection. See a doctor if you observe any signs of infection on the skin or around the wound, these may be redness, increase in pain, drainage, warmth, numbness or swelling. The wound is deep or the edges are gaping open.