Caring for cuts
Cuts can be caused by a knife or even a sheet of paper: the skin is penetrated by a sharp object; usually on the hand or a finger. Follow the treatment steps below, which are based on NHS recommendations:
1. Wash your hands:
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Clean the wound:
“Clean the wound under drinking-quality running tap water.
Note: Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing.” 1
Note: Avoid using antiseptic as it may damage the skin and slow healing.” 1
3. Dry the skin:
Pat the area dry with a clean towel. 1
4. Stop the bleeding:
“If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze bandage or cloth and elevate until the bleeding stops.” 1
5. Dress the wound:
Apply a sterile adhesive dressing. 1
The dressing can be changed daily if necessary or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Keep the wound dry by using waterproof dressings, which will allow you to take showers. 1
When to seek medical advice
Most cuts are minor and can be dealt with at home. However, seek medical attention from a healthcare professional, if
- you can't stop the bleeding
- you're bleeding from an artery
- you experience persistent or significant loss of sensation near the wound or you're having trouble moving any body parts
- you have a severe cut to your face
- you have a cut on the palm of your hand and it looks infected
- there's a possibility a foreign body is still inside the wound
- the wound is very large or the injury has caused a lot of tissue damage 1
Please consult a healthcare professional to consider a tetanus booster. 2
How to recognise an infected wound
- becomes more painful
- is warm to touch
- looks red or swollen
- leaks pus or blood
- has an unpleasant smell
- general deteriation, feeling unwell
- If you notice signs of sepsis 3
Please contact your healthcare practitioner if you experience any of the above.
When in doubt, see a medical expert
Many common wounds can be dealt with at home. But when should a doctor be consulted? Scroll down for more information!
Medical references
1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
3 International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds International 2016
2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
3 International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Wound infection in clinical practice. Wounds International 2016
Expert wound care for cuts
Leukosan® Strip
Topical, adhesive strips for the atraumatic closure of small wounds.
Leukoplast® strong
Highly adhesive water-repellent first aid dressing for short-term use on minor wounds.
Leukomed® T plus
Skin-friendly sterile film dressing with wound pad for small to medium-sized wounds.