$Unique_ID{BRK01381}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{A Simple Way of Treating Everyday Scrapes and Cuts}
$Subject{cuts treatment accidents scrapes accident injury clean first aid
bleeding antibiotic ointment bacitracin sterile adhesive dressing injuries cut
treat treating scrape bleed ointments}
$Volume{O-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Simple Way of Treating Everyday Scrapes and Cuts


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QUESTION:  You could help a lot of mothers who have to deal with the scrapes
and cuts that children come home with each day.  I don't need a whole first
aid course, but if you could give me a simple way of treating them, I might be
able to keep away from my doctor's office, at least for a week or two.

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ANSWER:  I suppose by now the sight of a little blood is not too frightening,
so the first tip is too keep cool, despite the screaming and yelling that
usually accompanies these minor accidents.  Next important step is to clean
the site of the injury, easily done with a little mild soap and cool water.
If there seems to be dirt deep in the wound, use some 3 percent hydrogen
peroxide.  The bubbling action gently lifts most of the dirt particles out of
the cut.  Then stop the bleeding.  Use a sterile gauze pad against the injury
and apply firm pressure from the outside with the palm of your hand.  If you
can elevate the injury site above the level of the heart, that will help as
well.  Once the bleeding has stopped you may apply an antibiotic ointment
such as bacitracin to the wound, and then cover with a light, sterile adhesive
dressing.  Change the dressing each day, and inspect the cut.  If it looks red
and swollen, remains tender and painful, or you see pus, your only alternative
is another trip to your family doctor.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.