Guide for Halting Bleeding in Shallow and Deep Lacerations
In an interview, emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD, shared valuable insights on how to treat small and deep cuts effectively.
Small Cuts
Small cuts, while annoying and painful, are generally not dangerous and can be treated at home. Small cuts typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of direct pressure and don't go any deeper than the skin. When treating small cuts, be gentle when washing the wound to avoid re-opening it. After washing, the wound should be bandaged to prevent further contamination. The use of clean gauze or cloth is recommended when applying pressure.
Dr. Fertel emphasizes the importance of patience in treating small cuts. The healing process takes about three weeks, and correctly treating small cuts helps prevent infection. However, Dr. Fertel does not recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or antibiotic cream for small cuts.
Deep Cuts
On the other hand, deep cuts are any wounds that are gaping, jagged, and look deep, revealing fat or muscle. If the cut is on your legs or arms, elevating the limb above heart level can help slow the blood flow.
For deep cuts, applying firm and direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile bandage for at least 10 minutes without lifting it can help stop the bleeding. If bleeding continues after 10-15 minutes of pressure or the cut is deep and large (greater than half an inch), seek immediate medical attention as stitches or advanced care may be needed.
Key First-Aid Tips
- Do not remove any objects lodged in the wound; let healthcare professionals handle this.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol directly on deep wounds as they can worsen tissue damage.
- Wash hands thoroughly before treating to reduce infection risk.
- Do not apply unproven home remedies like coffee or paprika, which can increase infection risk.
- If you have bleeding disorders, take blood thinners, or have medical conditions like diabetes, call a healthcare provider promptly even if the cut seems minor.
If bleeding is arterial (bright red, spurting), very heavy, or if signs of shock appear (such as pale or clammy skin, weakness), treat as a medical emergency and call emergency services immediately. In such severe cases, maintaining pressure and rapid professional help is critical.
These steps reflect current medical guidance for managing intense bleeding from deep or large cuts. After the wound stops bleeding, it should be washed with soap and water to prevent infection. Hemostatic gauze can help stop intense bleeding from deep cuts on the neck or torso.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). First aid: Cuts and scrapes. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/adult-first-aid/basics/cuts-and-scrapes/baxt-20391372
[2] American Red Cross. (2021). First aid: Cuts and Scrapes. [online] Available at: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr-and-first-aid/first-aid/first-aid-training/first-aid-cuts-and-scrapes.html
[3] Fertel, B. (2021). Personal interview on 1st March 2021.
[4] World Health Organization. (2020). First aid: Bleeding. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/emergencies/resilience-framework/knowledge/first-aid/first-aid-bleeding
[5] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). First Aid: Stop the Bleed. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/bleedingcontrol/index.html
In light of Dr. Fertel's insights, one should apply clean gauze or cloth when treating small cuts, and patience is essential during the three-week healing process to prevent infection. At the same time, science emphasizes the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for deep cuts, those that reveal fat or muscle, and are greater than half an inch, as they may require stitches or advanced care.
