Health Tip: Caring for a Cut or Scrape

Health Tip: Caring for a Cut or Scrape

(HealthDay News) — When you get a cut or scrape, proper care can help reduce the risk of infection and speed healing.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these tips:

  • Use cool water to clean any cut, scrape or puncture.
  • Gently clean the skin surrounding the wound with soap and a washcloth. Try not to get soap inside the wound to avoid irritation.
  • If there is dirt in the wound after washing, use tweezers sterilized with rubbing alcohol to carefully remove it.
  • If the wound isn’t likely to rub against something or get dirty, leave it dry and uncovered to help it heal.