Knife cut, what to do? How to treat knife cuts and burns

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If you happen to have a knife wound and it’s bleeding, the first thing you might do is grab a first aid kit and clean the wound to prevent infection. Use rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, which have antiseptic properties. But is that really enough? Learn how to give first aid to a knife cut to help the wound heal faster.

Knife wounds, is it enough to just clean the wound with alcohol?

You may think that you should clean a cut, burn or abrasion with alcohol, but in fact, using too much can be dangerous.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  alcohols are made up of about 70% ethanol or isopropanol and are used to clean and disinfect hard surfaces because of their ability to break down the proteins of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

However, alcohol may not be suitable for cleaning wounds because if alcohol comes into contact with the wound, it can irritate the surrounding tissue and affect wound healing. Moreover, using alcohol to clean an open wound can be painful. On the other hand, washing the wound with soap and warm water can help clean the wound without causing irritation.

Correct method of providing first aid 

Most minor cuts, scrapes, and burns can be treated at home and may heal within 2-3 days. However, if you have a serious injury, you should see a doctor for help. Here are some ways to treat minor cuts:

First aid for knife cuts and minor abrasions

To prevent infection and help the wound heal quickly you should start by washing your hands thoroughly before handling the wound. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a bandage or clean cloth and keep it elevated until the bleeding stops.

After the bleeding has stopped, gently flush the wound with clean running water to reduce the risk of infection. Then, use soap and a soft cloth to clean around the wound. Avoid applying soap directly to the wound, as it can be painful and irritating. If necessary, ทางเข้า ufabet use tweezers sterilized with alcohol to remove all dirt around the wound. For severely contaminated wounds, consult a doctor.

After cleaning the wound, pat the area dry with a clean cloth. You may then apply hydrogel to keep the wound moist and help prevent scarring. Be sure to cover the wound with a bandage or gauze.

Keep the wound clean by changing the bandage at least once a day or whenever it gets wet or dirty. You may stop using the bandage after 2-3 days when the wound has completely closed.