Cuts and grazes

A split or tear in the skin is called a cut. A minor cut that is just to the surface of skin heals with no or little treatment. But it may become infected or leave a scar on getting healed. Deeper cuts can be dangerous particularly if they cut an artery, veins or nerves. An injury caused to skin when it is scraped by a rough surface is known as a graze. A graze generally takes off the uppermost layer of skin but in some cases the deeper layers may be removed. A graze may be caused due to a fall, friction, burns and scrapes. A cut or a graze can be treated at home but in severe cases medical treatment is needed. Tetanus may develop if a cut or graze gets infected and is one of the common complications that arise in severe cases. Medical help is needed in the following cases
– bleeding does not stop after continuously applying firm pressure for 5 minutes
-any injury caused to tendons by a deep cut in the palm or sole
– the affected area gets swollen
-increase in pain caused by the wound
– the wound develops pus in it
-the area around the wound becomes red

Symptoms of cuts and grazes

The following symptoms may develop if the cut or graze gets infected
-numbness in the affected area
-the affected area becomes swollen
-pulsatile bleeding
– the affected area develops pus
-increase in pain in the wound
-fever
– glands become swollen

Treatment

Treatment of minor cuts and grazes: This can be done in home. A minor cut or graze should be cleaned and dressed. In case the cut is bleeding heavily, the bleeding must be stopped before dressing it.

Follow the given steps to dress a graze
-wash your hands and dry them properly
– the wound can be cleaned under running tap water
-dry the area by patting with a clean towel
-apply a sterile and adhesive dressing
The wound heals by itself within a few days. Painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol may be used if the wound is painful. People suffering from asthma and stomach ulcer should not take ibuprofen .One should seek medical advice in the following cases
– injury is very deep or very large
– injury is bleeding continuously
– injury is caused by a bite

-there is something stuck in the cut or graze
– the affected area gets swollen
-pus is formed in the affected area
-the area around the cut or graze becomes red
– increase in pain in the wound and feeling unwell
-fever
Treating severe cuts and grazes
A healthcare professional examines any risk of infection .He will start the treatment if there is no risk by cleaning the cut before closing it. This may be Stitches, skin closure strips or tissue adhesives may be used to close the wound. The cut is covered with a protective dressing once the cut is closed .If stitches or skin closure strips are used, one has to return to hospital to get them removed.