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 with drinking-quality running tap water. 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 damage1
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 deterioration, feeling unwell
- 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!
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.