When you get a cut or scrape, it’s important to clean the area right away with soap and water to prevent infection. There’s no “best” antiseptic for open wounds, and a lot of times, you don’t need antibiotic creams either. Here’s how to clean a cut at home and when you need to see a doctor.
Wash Your Hands Before Cleaning the Wound
Before you touch your wound or someone else’s burn, cut, or scrape, clean your hands. That helps prevent your germs from getting into the wound and causing infection.
Use soap and lukewarm water. Hand sanitizer is OK if you don’t have access to fresh running water. If you have them handy, you could also put on disposable (one-use) gloves.
Apply Pressure to the Wound
Follow these steps only if the wound is bleeding. Never apply pressure to a burn. If clothing or something else is stuck to your skin because of a burn, don’t try to remove it.
Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Gently press on the wound.
Keep it in place until the bleeding stops. If it’s just a minor scrape or cut, it’ll probably stop on its own. This may take 5-10 minutes. Lifting the gauze before then could stop your blood from clotting.
Elevate (raise) the body part. If you can, lift the affected area higher than your heart. This helps slow down blood flow.
Add more gauze and pressure if needed. If blood oozes through the cloth or gauze, don’t lift it off the wound. Place another clean piece on top and still apply pressure.
Call 911 or go to an ER right away if the wound:
- Is on a child under 1 year old
- Won’t stop bleeding, even with pressure
- Has dirt or debris in it
- Comes from a burn, an electrical injury, or a dirty object, such as a nail
- Comes from a human or animal bite
- Is on your face or neck
- Is more than 1/2 inch long and looks deep
You’ll probably need stitches if direct pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding. Stitches (sutures) are tiny, sterile threads that a doctor can use to hold your wound closed. Surgical glue or special sticky strips of fabric are sometimes used, too.
Your wound might also need stitches if it is:
Rinse Your Wound With Water
Cleaning your wound not only helps prevent infection but also promotes faster healing, says Katarzyna Kimmel, MD, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “Cleaning the wound helps the body’s healing process start on a clean slate.”
Lowering the chances of inflammation and infection could also make your wound less likely to scar.
You don’t need to know how to disinfect a wound. In fact, “the biggest mistake people often make when cleaning a wound is using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly on the wound,” says Kimmel. “These substances may kill bacteria, but at the expense of damaging healthy tissue and slowing the process of healing.”
For the best results, follow these steps:
- Rinse the wound with lukewarm water to loosen and remove dirt and debris.
- Use mild soap to clean around the wound. Don’t scrub the area. That can irritate it and won’t feel good.
- If it’s a minor wound, use tweezers to gently remove any dirt or debris you can still see. Clean the tweezers first with isopropyl alcohol. Don’t pick at the wound. If you can’t get all the dirt out, you’ll need to see a doctor.
If you have a burn, rinse the area under cool (not cold) water or place a cool cloth on it for 5-20 minutes. Don’t use ice because it can reduce blood flow to the area. See your doctor if any large blisters form.
In some cases, you may wonder if a burn is bad enough to go to the ER. If you can say “yes” to any of these, the answer is probably yes:
- It’s more than 3 inches wide.
- It’s on a joint.
- It’s on your head, neck, face, or foot.
Clean the Wound With Antibiotic Cream or Ointment
Experts don’t advise using over-the-counter (OTC) skin antibiotics, such as Neosporin or Polysporin, if you don’t have an infection. While they can help the skin heal and reduce scarring, they can also lead to antibiotic resistance. That’s when bacteria no longer respond to it, making infections harder to treat.
Some people are also allergic to the ingredients of OTC antibiotic creams. If so, you could end up with a rash and will have to stop using it anyway.
“You should only apply an OTC antibiotic ointment like Neosporin in specific situations,” Kimmel says. For instance, you’re on a camping trip and unable to keep your cut clean and dry.
The rest of the time, use a small amount of petroleum jelly. It’s thick enough to help your wound stay moist while keeping out germs.
If you have a mild burn, you can apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel instead.
How to Bandage a Wound
You don’t need to bandage every scrape and cut. If you have a minor wound, clean it and leave it alone. Otherwise, gently place a clean, sterile bandage or gauze dressing over your wound. This helps keep out germs. It also keeps the area from rubbing against something or drying out. Both of those can slow down healing.
Never bandage a wound before cleaning it. “[This] can trap bacteria and contaminants inside, ensuring a warm and moist environment that promotes bacterial growth,” Kimmel says.
You can find different types of bandages and tape at your local store. Choose something that will be easy to change at least once a day or when it’s wet or gets dirty.
Even if you’re headed to the doctor, cover your wound with a clean, dry dressing. That will protect it from germs on the way there.
In some cases, you may need to see a doctor even if you can clean the wound yourself. You may need a tetanus shot for your wound or other treatment if:
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years, and the wound was caused by something dirty (a tetanus booster should be given within 48 hours after you get hurt).
- The wound was caused by a wild animal or a stray cat or dog, in which case you may need a rabies shot.
After You Clean the Wound
Don’t pick at any scabs — they’re part of the healing process. Picking at them can leave a scar.
Call your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms. They could mean the wound is infected:
- Increased redness or swelling
- Pain that gets worse
- Skin around the wound feels warm
- Unpleasant odor when cleaning the wound
- Unusual or increased drainage
- Fever or chills
What Causes Wound Pain?
“Pain isn’t just about how big or deep the wound is,” Kimmel says. “It’s also about where, how, and what structures are involved.”
For instance, puncture wounds can affect nearby muscle, tendon, and bone. A crush injury, such as dropping something heavy on your hand, can damage blood vessels, nerves, and inner tissues.
If bacteria get into your wound and cause an infection, that can cause pain, too.
What Types of Wounds Hurt More?
Everyone is different, but some types of wounds that may hurt the most include:
Burns. Second-degree burns can damage or expose the nerve endings in your skin.
Puncture wounds. Besides causing deep damage, these types of wounds are also prone to getting infected.
Wounds on your face, lips, fingers, or genitals. These areas are rich with nerves and are highly sensitive.
Crush injuries. When blood vessels and deep tissues are harmed, they can cause a dull, aching pain that lasts for a while.
How Long Should a Wound Hurt?
Usually, a small wound starts to feel better in a few days. But if your pain doesn’t go away or worsens, call your doctor. You may have an infection.
Other signs of infection include:
- A fever of 101 F or higher
- Severe redness or streaks of red or pink spreading away from your wound
- Discharge, especially if it’s thick, green, or yellow
- A wound that smells bad
- Swelling
- A wound that looks like it’s getting bigger
- Confusion, which is more common in older adults
“If there is indeed an infection, antibiotics may be necessary,” says Sayed Saquib, MD, medical director of the University of California Irvine Health Regional Burn Center in Irvine, California. “If you don’t seek timely care for an infected wound, it can spread and, in extreme cases, become life-threatening.”
Some ongoing health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can make it harder for wounds to heal. Certain medications and older age can also slow down the process. Always check in with your doctor if you have questions. In some cases, they may want you to see a wound care specialist.
Pain Relief for Wounds
There’s plenty that you can do to make yourself more comfortable as your wound heals.
Home remedies for wound pain
Some things you could do at home include:
Keep the area lifted. This can help reduce tightness and swelling.
Apply a cold pack. Put it near the wound for the first 24-48 hours to help numb the pain. Never put a cold pack directly on top of your wound.
Try an over-the-counter cream. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to try a cream, gel, or ointment with:
- Aloe vera. Studies show that this plant’s natural compounds can help fight germs and inflammation.
- Marigold (calendula). Early studies suggest that it could speed up healing, but more research needs to be done.
- Honey. This has been used to treat wounds for thousands of years, but some people find it itchy or painful.
- Propolis. This “bee glue” could help with inflammation, but like honey, it can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Taking care of yourself will also help your wound heal faster. To do that:
Watch what you eat. Lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are high in protein, can help your body heal faster.
Drink plenty of water. It helps ensure enough blood and nutrients are sent to the damaged area.
Stop smoking. Tobacco use weakens your immune system and slows down cell repair. Let your doctor know if you need help quitting.
Medication for wound pain
If you’re in pain, your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter product like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid aspirin. It can interfere with clotting.
If your wound pain is serious, your doctor could prescribe medications such as:
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antihistamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Steroids
- Phenothiazines
- Opioids
Easing your pain will make it easier for you to move around. Usually, this can help your wound heal.
Don’t forget to keep your wound covered and regularly change your bandages, based on your doctor’s advice. That can help promote healing, too.
Takeaways
After cleaning your hands, use fresh water and mild soap to gently clean your wound. In most cases, you can skip OTC antibiotic cream and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly instead. Always cover an open wound with a clean bandage. Most minor cuts and scrapes start to feel better in a few days, but keep an eye out for signs of infection and call your doctor if you see them.
Cleaning Wounds FAQs
Is it okay to use soap to clean a wound?
You can use mild or diluted soap (soap mixed with water) to clean your wound. You should not use harsh soaps, as they can damage your skin tissue.
How do I know my wound is properly cleaned?
Your wound should be properly cleaned if you rinse it with clean water and mild soap, and no dirt or debris remains. Afterward, you’ll need to protect it from getting dirty again. Unless it’s a shallow scrape or scratch, you can probably cover it with a bandage.
Can cleaning a wound too often slow down healing?
Cleaning a wound too often can slow down your body’s healing process by lowering the temperature of the area. Ask your doctor how often you should clean your wound and follow their advice.
