Skin Injury, Minor

ADVICE for treating MILD CUTS, SCRAPES and BRUISES

1. Treatment of Minor Cuts, Scratches and Scrapes (abrasions):
   • Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
   • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
   • For any dirt, scrub it gently with a washcloth.
   • Cut off any pieces of dead loose skin using fine scissors (cleaned with rubbing alcohol before and after use).
   • Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a Band-Aid or dressing. Change daily.
   • Use a Liquid Skin Bandage--it only needs to be applied once. Avoid ointments if you use this option.
2. Treatment of Minor Bruise:
   • Apply a cold pack or an ice bag (wrapped in a towel) for no more than 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours. (20 minutes of cold followed by 40 minutes of rest for 4 hours in a row).
   • 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
   • Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours.
3. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (e.g. Tylenol; adult dosage 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (e.g. Advil, Motrin; adult dosage 400 mg).
   • Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, are pregnant, or have been told by your doctor to avoid this type of anti-inflammatory drug. Do not take ibuprofen for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
   • Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
   • Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
4. Expected Course: Pain and swelling usually begin to improve 2 or 3 days after an injury. Swelling is usually gone in 7 days. Pain may take 2 weeks to completely resolve.
5. IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.