Cuts and grazes
Most cuts and grazes can be treated at home and will start to heal in a few days. But some wounds may need to be treated by a medical professional if there's a risk of infection or the cut is serious.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Cuts and grazes
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: OINTMENT, 2 %Active substance: fusidic acidManufacturer: Laboratorios Leo Pharma S.A.Prescription requiredDosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 3 gActive substance: hydrogen peroxideManufacturer: Laboratorio Reig Jofre, S.A.Prescription not requiredDosage form: TOPICAL SOLUTION, 30 mg/mlActive substance: hydrogen peroxideManufacturer: Peroxfarma S.A.Prescription not required
Most cuts and grazes can be treated at home and will start to heal in a few days. But some wounds may need to be treated by a medical professional if there's a risk of infection or the cut is serious.
How to treat a cut or graze yourself
You can treat a cut or graze yourself by stopping any bleeding, cleaning the wound, and covering it with a plaster or dressing. This will help stop it getting infected.
If it's painful, you can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (but do not give aspirin to children under 16).
What to do if the wound is bleeding a lot
- 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. Press firmly either side of it to push the edges of the wound together.
- If the wound is on your hand or arm, raise it above your head. If the wound is on your lower limb, lie down and raise it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce the blood flow.
- When the bleeding has stopped, firmly wrap a new bandage over the first cloth or bandage.
- If the wound keeps bleeding, leave the first bandage in place and add another one. Keep pressing firmly on the wound for another 10 minutes.
How to clean and dress a cut or graze
If the bleeding has stopped, you can clean a small wound and then put a plaster or dressing over it.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them. Put on disposable gloves if you have some.
- Clean the wound by rinsing it with bottled or tap water, or by using sterile wipes.
- Clean the skin around the wound using soap and water or antiseptic – but try not to get antiseptic into the wound.
- Pat the area dry using a gauze swab or a clean tea towel.
- Put on a sterile dressing or a plaster.
Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as you need. You can take it off after a few days, once the wound has closed.
Call 112 or go to A&E if:
- you have a cut and cannot stop the bleeding
- the blood comes out in spurts and is bright red and hard to control
- you lose feeling near the wound or have trouble moving it
- you have a bad cut on your face or the palm of your hand
- the wound is very large or deep
- there's something stuck in the cut, such as a shard of glass – do not try to take it out yourself
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Treatments for cuts and grazes
How a cut or graze is treated will depend on how bad it is and if there's a risk of it becoming infected.
The cut will be cleaned and closed with either stitches, strips or special glue before a dressing is put over it.
But the wound may not be closed straight away if it's infected or there's a risk it may get infected.
You may also need to have an injection to prevent tetanus or be given antibiotics if the cut could be infected.
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Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Online doctors for Cuts and grazes
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Cuts and grazes with a doctor online.
