Cuts and Scrapes

What can/should be done at home

• Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
• For scrapes, rinse the area with clean water and then wash with soap and water.
• For cuts, simply rinsing with water is usually enough for adequate cleaning.
• Cover the area with an antibiotic ointment and then apply a sterile dressing.
• To get the edges of a cut to meet, apply an adhesive bandage.
• Do not apply antiseptic liquids such as iodine or alcohol, as these tend to irritate the wound and cause a lot of discomfort for the child.
• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Once a scab has formed, a bandage is generally not needed.

• If bleeding doesn't stop within ten minutes of applying pressure to the wound
• If the cut is deep and it looks as if stitches may be required
• If it is a puncture wound, particularly when the hands or feet are involved
• If there is any numbness around the scrape or cut
• If the cut was caused by a dirty object - a tetanus booster shot may be required
• If you are concerned that there may be dirt, glass or any other object trapped within the cut or abrasion