You need to make sure all dirt and particles are removed from the wound, as those can be the sources of germs that lead to infection. Soap can help if the wound is really grimy, but you have to make sure that any grit or dirt is completely rinsed away.
You won't want to use alcohol, iodine, peroxide, or anything harsh that can damage the tissues, delaying healing. After cleansing, you can decide whether to apply a thin layer of Neosporin or simply a little petroleum jelly to keep the skin moist.
You can then dress the wound either with an adhesive bandage or a sterile dressing. Change the dressing every day, more often if the bandage gets dirty. If the cut gets dirty or excessively wet, you should change it. Once the wound has healed enough that there is no more exposed tissue, you can remove the bandage.
Do not pick the scab, but rather let it fall off. Neosporin may help treat a minor burn, but it should never be used on a large area of skin, especially if you have a preexisting skin condition.
For serious burns to recover properly, they should be treated by a medical professional. Petroleum jelly is usually the best ointment for minor cuts, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Be sure to apply it continuously to keep the wound moist until it heals. Also, try using petroleum jelly from a tube rather than a jar to limit the spread of germs. Polysporin is an antibiotic ointment that helps treat bacterial infections in the eye. Some people have an allergic reaction to Polysporin, so it may be a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider first. Bacitracin is one of three antibacterial agents contained in Neosporin. The other two are neomycin and polymyxin.
Alternative remedies to treat cuts involve the use of honey, as well as curcumin. Evidence points to honey containing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties for treating some minor wounds. Curcumin has also been found to have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in helping to heal wounds. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Topical antibiotics for preventing surgical site infection in wounds healing by primary intention.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Published Nov 7. Contemporary antimicrobial activity of triple antibiotic ointment: a multiphased study of recent clinical isolates in the United States and Australi a. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of prophylactic topical antibiotics for the prevention of uncomplicated wound infections.
Infect Drug Resist. It is important not to scratch or pick at the adhesive film on the wound. If the doctor puts a bandage over the adhesive, be careful to keep the bandage dry. Your doctor will probably want you to put on a clean bandage every day. Do not put any ointment on a wound that has skin adhesive on it. Ointment could make the adhesive get loose and fall off too soon.
Your child also should keep the wound out of sunlight and away from tanning booth lamps. Keep an eye on the wound. If the skin around it becomes very red and warm to the touch, or if the wound opens up again, call your child's doctor. Already a member or subscriber? Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.
Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.
Contact afpserv aafp. Want to use this article elsewhere? Get Permissions. Read the Issue. Sign Up Now. Previous: Using Medical Interpreters. Next: Bike Safety Tips. Jun 1, Issue. Am Fam Physician. Beneath the skin, blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients essential to healing to the area.
White blood cells help to ward off infection and begin to repair the damaged tissue and any broken blood vessels. Red blood cells create collagen to form a base for new tissue to grow in the wound. New skin forms over this tissue, and as the edges pull inward, the wound gets smaller. A scar forms, strengthening the area over the wound. Etemad offers the following advice: Do this to promote healing Immediately irrigate the wound with water by holding it under the tap and wash the area with gentle soap then pat dry.
Small cuts and scrapes can be left uncovered, but moisture is usually needed to help speed up the healing process. Apply petroleum jelly Vaseline and cover with an adhesive bandage any exposed wounds that might become dirty on the hands, feet, arms or legs. For people who are sensitive to adhesive, a gauze pad can be secured with paper tape. We rely on what our parents taught us or what we have heard during high school health class. The best starting point for treating a wound is to by cleaning the cut or scrape it out.
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