How to Care for Minor Abrasions and Scratches
Things You'll Need
- Adhesive Bandages
- Antibacterial Ointments
- Antibacterial Soaps
- Butterfly Bandages
Instructions
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1
Wash your hands before and after tending a wound.
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2
Rinse the wound with clean water. Flush out all dirt and debris.
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3
Using clean gauze, put pressure on the wound to stop any bleeding.
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4
Clean the area around the injury with soap and water or Betadine, but avoid getting any solution inside the wound.
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5
Leave the wound open to the air unless there is a chance that you'll be exposing it to dirt or infection. In that case, bandage the wound loosely, allowing air to get in.
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6
If the wound edges are open, use a butterfly bandage'a butterfly-shaped bandage that brings the edges of the wound together and reduces scarring'to close straight, clean, superficial wounds.
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7
Call your doctor if you detect signs of infection, which include redness, warmth, redness up the arm, or oozing or drainage from the wound.
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