Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home.
Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that’s needed.
Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days.
Stop any bleeding before applying a dressing to the wound. Apply pressure to the area using a clean and dry absorbent material – such as a bandage, towel or handkerchief – for several minutes.
If the cut is to your hand or arm, raise it above your head to help reduce the flow of blood.
If the injury is to a lower limb, lie down and raise the affected area above the level of your heart.
When the wound has stopped bleeding, clean it and cover it with a dressing to help stop it becoming infected.
To do this:
Keep the dressing clean by changing it as often as necessary. Keep the wound dry by using waterproof dressings, which will allow you to take showers.
You can remove the dressing after a few days, once the wound has closed itself.
If the wound is painful for the first few days, you can take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
A wound is at risk of infection if:
Signs a wound has become infected include:
An infected wound can usually be successfully treated with a short course of antibiotics.
In A&E, your wound will be examined to determine whether there’s any risk of infection. You may need a booster injection to prevent tetanus, and your wound may be closed with stitches, strips or special glue before a dressing is applied.
If your wound is at risk of infection, it won’t usually be closed because this may trap any infection inside. Instead, it will be packed with a non-sticky dressing before being covered with a protective dressing until it’s safe to close.
Last updated:
19 December 2022