Everybody everywhere has had or will get a cut a bruise or a scrape. Knowing how to treat it will determine how fast it heals, and whether or not it will leave a scar.

Most of these injuries are minor, and visiting the doctor isn’t necessary. Knowing when an injury deserves a visit to the doctor is as important as knowing first aid at home. I live by the rule when in doubt; let the doctor rule it out. My instincts are usually dead on when it comes to what I can doctor at home, and what injury needs a professional touch.

What is the difference between a Cut and a Bruise?

Cuts and bruises are basically the same thing. A bruise is an injury that is under the skin and a cut is on the outside of the skin. Blood from a cut or scrape is apparent, but the bruise is actually bleeding underneath the skin. The uglier and darker the color of the bruise, the more clotting and healing is going on under the skin. Treating the two minor injuries takes a little bit of a different approach since each injury is just a little bit different. Broken skin needs to be protected from infection whereas a bump or bruise is already protected because the wound is under the skin.

Sometimes what appear to be minor injuries may need to be looked at by a professional health care provider. Signs that it’s a minor injury:

• The injury is small (less than a ½ inch around)
• There’s no bleeding, or only slight bleeding. (Make sure you wear protective gloves to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens).
• The victim isn’t in excessive pain.
• There is no feeling of numbness or tingling on the victim.
• There aren’t any signs of paralysis.
• The victim doesn’t seem to have any broken bones or dislocated joints. (Dislocation or broken bone is possible if the victim is in a lot of pain, and the shoulder, leg, arm, or ankle seems to be lying or hanging at an awkward angle).

Cut and Scrape First Aid

For cuts and scrapes:

1. Wash the injured area with mild soap and lukewarm water.
2. Apply an antibacterial ointment or spray to prevent infection.
3. Cover the wound with a band-aid or sterile bandage.

For bumps and bruises:

1. Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area as soon as possible to reduce the amount of swelling.
2. If possible, elevate the injured area above the heart. This will keep the blood from “pooling” in the affected area. (Pooling creates more internal bleeding and swelling).
3. Keep the injury elevated for about 15 minutes if the wound is minor. If the bruise is severe or covers a large portion of the body, call for help. Keep a severe bruise elevated for at least an hour or until a trained emergency care team arrives.
4. If the bruise doesn’t seem to be getting better and 24 hours have passed, consult with your physician.
5. Seek prompt medical care if there is any swelling around the bruise, especially if it occurs around a joint. This can signal danger to the nerves, muscles and bones all of which require trained medical attention.

Warning Signs for Internal Bleeding

Whenever an injury occurs, look for the signs of internal bleeding or hemorrhaging which are similar to those of shock.

• Pale, clammy skin
• Chills
• Cold hands and feet
• Dilated pupils (excessively large pupils even in light)
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Major swelling at the injury site
• Major or immediate black and blue marks at the wound site

First aid procedures won’t stop internal bleeding, unfortunately. Call for help immediately if internal bleeding is suspected, and then proceed with first aid procedures for shock.
-Anne

Do you have any home remedies for Cuts and Scrapes, Bumps and Bruises? Comment and share them with us!

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