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Cuts and Open Wounds

Cuts

Cuts are common injuries that can often be treated at home. Cuts are wounds where the skin is lacerated or torn. If the cut is deep, there may be bleeding.

HOW TO TREAT AT HOME

  • Clean the cut by rinsing it under cold running water.
  • Use sterile gauze swabs to clean the wound.
  • Swipe gently outward from the wound area, using a new swab for each swipe.
  • With the corner of the swab, gently lift any foreign material out from the wound area.
  • Carefully pat the area dry with a clean gauze swab.
  • Apply a plaster or bandage.

SEE YOUR GP IF:

  • There are sand particles or wood splinters in the cut.
  • The cut is caused by an animal or rusty object.
  • You develop an infection, e.g. you also develop a fever, persistent redness and pain, swelling, or pus forming in the wound.  

GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:

  • The cut is deep and the bleeding does not stop.

Open Wounds

Open wounds are caused by injury to the skin. Apart from scarring, they may also result in infection.

HOW TO TREAT OPEN WOUNDS

  • Wash your wounds with clean water as soon as possible to remove dirt and debris.
  • Apply non-adherent dressing to the wound.
  • Keep the wounds clean and review them daily, looking out for signs of infection.

SEE YOUR GP IF:

  • Notice persistent bleeding or discharge from the wound.
  • Notice worsening pain or redness over the wound.
  • Develop a fever.
  • Were bitten by an animal. Animal bite wounds are more likely to be infected compared to non-bite wounds.
  • Have a dirty wound and have not had a tetanus booster in the last 5 years.

GO TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IF:

  • Can see fat or deeper underlying structures like tendon, muscle or bone in the wound.
  • Suspect a foreign body in the wound.
  • Have painful swelling of the limb affecting movement (which may indicate a fracture).