How to Heal an Open Wound or Cut

Wounds and cuts can be unsightly, and if they're not properly cared for they can take longer to heal and could even scar. If you have an open wound or cut, chances are that you can simply care for it at home, but make sure you follow basic first-aid steps to prevent additional complications.

Things You'll Need

• Mild soap
• Water
• Wash cloth
• Tweezers
• Antibiotic cream
• Bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the area thoroughly with plain soap and cold water. Don't scour the wound; simply run it under cold water and use soap and a washcloth to gently cleanse the area around the wound.

• 2

  If, after washing, you still see dirt or debris in the wound, use tweezers that have been cleaned with rubbing alcohol to get it out.

• 3

  Rinse away dead and injured tissue. "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Women" says that adequate rinsing is the most important part of cleaning a wound. Rinsing a wound thoroughly will help it heal more quickly. Debris and dirt left in a wound can cause scarring.

• 4

  Apply an antibiotic cream. Antibiotic creams can help you avoid infection. Even if you don't have antibiotic cream your wound should heal fine if it's protected with a bandage.

• 5

  Cover the wound. If your wound is in an area that's unlikely to get dirty, though, you can skip the bandage, The Family Doctor says. Change your bandage after you bathe.