Strategies for Halting Hemorrhaging in Shallow and Deep Wounds
In the event of a cut, knowing the right steps to take can be crucial. Here's a guide on how to effectively treat both deep and small cuts, based on advice from emergency medicine physician Baruch Fertel, MD.
Treating Deep Cuts
When dealing with deep cuts, the first priority is to stop the bleeding. Apply direct, firm pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze for about 10 minutes without interruption. If bleeding persists or is heavy, seek immediate medical help.
Once bleeding has slowed, clean the wound gently. Rinse with lukewarm running water to remove debris, and wash around the wound with mild soap, avoiding soap inside the cut to prevent irritation. After cleaning, apply an antibiotic ointment (if not allergic) to reduce infection risk and promote healing. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing and change it daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty to keep the area protected and clean.
For deep cuts that are larger than half an inch, have jagged edges, continue bleeding, are on sensitive areas (face, joints), or if you have underlying conditions like diabetes or blood disorders that affect healing, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Signs of Infection
Monitor the wound for signs of infection, which may include increased pain or tenderness around the cut, redness spreading or red streaks extending from the wound, swelling and warmth near the injury, pus or thick, colored discharge (green, yellow), foul odor from the wound, fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, the wound growing larger or failing to improve over 1–2 days, and systemic symptoms such as confusion (more common in older adults). If any of these symptoms appear, or if the wound is not healing properly, seek professional medical care promptly to avoid complications such as cellulitis or sepsis.
Treating Small Cuts
For small cuts that don't go deeper than the skin and there's no substantial blood loss, the first step is to stop the bleeding. To do this, apply clean gauze or cloth on the wound and apply direct pressure. Small cuts typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of direct pressure. Be gentle when washing the wound to avoid re-opening it. After washing, bandage the wound to keep it clean and protected.
In cases of stubborn small bleeds, hold pressure for 15 minutes without interruption to allow a clot to form. If you're unsure about the severity of the cut or if it's not healing properly, consult a healthcare professional.
Maintaining overall health by controlling chronic conditions like diabetes, ensuring good nutrition, and avoiding unwashed hands touching the wound helps prevent infection and promote healing.
In emergencies where a limb has a deep cut and is bleeding profusely, a tourniquet can be used to cut off blood flow from the heart. However, this should only be done as a last resort and with extreme caution, as improper use can lead to serious complications. Always seek professional medical help in such situations.
- In the realm of health and wellness, it's essential to understand the importance of cleanliness and proper treatment when taking care of cuts, whether deep or small.
- Enhancing overall health through controlling chronic conditions, maintaining good nutrition, and ensuring hand hygiene can significantly aid in the prevention of wound infections and efficient healing.
