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How to deal with a cut

A cut is a common occurrence and can affect any part of the body. Unless a vein is cut, the injury is fairly minor and there is no reason to panic. If a major vein (such as the one on your wrist) is cut, call 911. If there is excessive bleeding while waiting for medical help to arrive, grab cotton or tissues and use them to apply some pressure directly on the cut. Let’s have a look at some points how we can deal with a cut.

Clean the wound

There is a chance of developing sepsis in minor to moderate injuries resulting from cuts. To prevent this, place the cut under running water for a minute. Next, dab the cut with sterile cotton soaked in an anti-septic solution such as Savlon or Dettol. If bleeding persists, a simple household remedy is to sprinkle some powdered turmeric, a spice used in exotic cooking on the wound. This not only stops bleeding but also serves as a natural antiseptic. If you do not have turmeric handy, sprinkle some all-purpose flour or use a piece of alum till the bleeding stops and rinse the area well with water.

Bandaging

Bacteria and viruses in the air could enter the human body through open wounds. Hence, it is wise to lightly bandage a cut, however big or small, to isolate it from potential harm. Small cuts can be treated with adhesive bandages like band aid strips which are available over the shelf. These strips contain medication that helps wounds heal faster. Always opt for waterproof adhesive bandages. To bandage larger cuts, place a swab of cotton soaked in an antiseptic liquid over the wound. Wrap the area well by rolling a long strip of gauze and tie the ends of the strip together. Make sure that the bandage is tight enough to prevent foreign particles from coming in contact with the wound but not so tight that it interferes with the blood flow.

Tetanus shot

If the cut was caused by a metallic surface, earthly material (such as a sharp stone), or anything that looked rusty or grimy, there is a possibility of contracting tetanus. This disease is caused by a bacterium known as Clostridium tetani and affects the skeletal muscles in a manner that could be fatal. Tetanus can be prevented by taking a tetanus shot as soon as one is wounded. The medication is available at most pharmacies without prescription. Take the vaccine and a new (or well-sterilized) needle to the nearest medical practitioner, such as a doctor, nurse, or a medical student to get the shot. The injection can be taken on any part of the body, but preferably on fleshy areas such as upper arms or buttocks which cushion the pain to some extent. Note that one tetanus shot does not guarantee immunity against all future wounds and this process needs to be repeated every time the skin is cut.

Care and recovery

The dressing or bandage must be kept secure at night and during day-to-day activities such as showering. The dressing, including the medicated cotton swab, must be replaced every day. Give the affected area about 30 minutes breathing time between consecutive dressings. Adhesive bandages need to be removed with care as ripping them off may induce pain and subsequent bleeding. Formation of pus a day or two after the occurrence of injury is completely normal and can be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. If excessive amount of pus is being generated for several days after the skin was cut, consult a doctor immediately. A brownish black scab forms over the wound in three-four days after the occurrence of injury and this scab falls away after the skin under it is regenerated. The dressing can be removed after the scab is formed.

Complications

The time for complete recovery varies from person to person. Excessive secretion of pus is an indication of a complication which delays recovery, as a scab cannot form until all the dead leukocytes are removed. Patients who suffer from diabetes must consult a doctor as soon as they receive first aid, as a small cut could result in an amputation without proper medical help. In general, cuts and bruises rarely result in medical complications as long as cleanliness and hygiene are maintained.

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