People love spending time in the outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, but experts warn that this also increases the risk of cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds.
Simple first-aid is often enough to treat cuts and scrapes from outdoor
activities. When treating a minor wound, the American College of Emergency
Physicians offers the following tips:
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an antibacterial
cleanser.
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth, paper towel or piece of gauze to
the injured area to stop the bleeding.
- Clean the wound with cool water and mild soap, and gently dry the area.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound to reduce the risk for
infection.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- Wounds that are very large or bleeding excessively.
- Injuries that are on the face or near a bone.
- Injuries that have caused people to lose feeling or function in the affected
area.
- Injuries caused by a human or animal bite.
- Wounds caused by a rusty object.
- Wounds with objects or debris stuck inside.
The American Academy of Family Physicians provides more first-aid
tips for cuts and scrapes.
