Wounds are classified into cuts (incisions), rugged cuts (lacerations) and grazes (abrasions). Most of them occur on head, face and hands and can bring about a lot of bleeding. Abrasions occur when the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin is rubbed off or grazed. Grazes mainly occur to active children at knees, ankles and elbows. Read on to know how to deal with them.
Stop bleeding
If a cut is too deep and bleeding occurs, it is recommended to stop bleeding first. This can be done by pressing the wound by some sanitary towel or pad. Keep the pressure for about five to seven minutes before releasing the pressure to check whether it has stopped. Also to stop bleeding, the area of cut can be raised above the level of heart, to arms or head.
In case of graze, bleeding is not a matter in most of the cases as the affected area is large but the wound is totally superficial. In that case, light washing with some antiseptic lotion or antiseptic-warm water solution will help both reducing the chances of infection and also wash away any dirt or dust from the wound.
Tetanus
If wound is caused by any rusty metal, tetanus booster vaccine is to be taken within seventy two hours. Rusty metals such as nail, which are generally found outside provide a prime habitat for Clostidium tetani endospores, a gram positive, rod shaped, obligate anaerobic bacteria that delivers a neurotoxin called tetanospasmin which causes tetanus, a medical condition with prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers.
Tetanus infection can be avoided by taking tetanus toxoid vaccines. Taking tetanus doses every ten years is recommended by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. If the dose is not taken in five years, then a booster dose is required. The young or the elderly possess a greater chance of tetanus infection.
Wound cleaning and dressing
Cleaning the wound is of utmost importance as any left over dust, debris or unwanted material can cause infection. Primarily the cut or bruise is to be cleaned by antiseptic solution or sterile saline solution, then antibacterial agents such as cetrimide, cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine are to be used which will reduce the risk of infection. After applying antibacterial cream, the wound should be covered by sterile bandage or plaster. If the bandage or dressing is getting wet, then it should be immediately removed as wet dressing inhibits the healing process and also provides a chance for infection.
But dressing is not required if the wound is uninfected or is caused by some minor cause.
Painkillers
Painkiller can be used if there is a mild pain. Wounds generally heal by themselves, but in case of grazes the pain often occurs specially in bony areas such as knees and elbows. Paracetamol (panadol or dymadon) or ibuprofen can be taken but with certain precautions. If the person has got asthma or stomach ulcers, ibuprofen is not recommended. Aspirin is not for children under the age of sixteen. Therefore while taking medication, do check the packaging for recommendations regarding use and dose. Also, if paracetamol is being taken, it is to be carefully checked that the person is not taking any other medicines (for cough, cold and flu) that contain paracetamol.
Home care
Take rest for some time as too much activity can cause wounds to bleed. Use sling for arm wound and crutches for leg wounds. While resting, the leg is to be kept up. With children, encourage them to rest and have a quite time by reading or drawing.
If the wound is closed but not covered, one can wash or take shower once 24 hours are gone but do not soak the wound in water and make sure that it is dry afterward by gently patting the area with a clean towel.
When it’s time to take off the dressing, use vegetable or olive oil to loosen sticky tapes or alternatively soak it with water and then gently pull it off.
Never pick the crust or scab that is formed over the wound as it can cause scarring and infection. The crust will fall off by itself.
