Minor cuts and scrapes aren't the stuff of medical dramas. But if not treated correctly, they could be.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reports that they get more inquiries about "minor" injuries than about anything else. That's probably because today's infections can be a lot more serious.
Bacterial skin infections that are highly resistant to antibiotics can spread to other parts of the body. Staph infections used to be found mainly in hospitals, but newer strains have become common in some communities.
They are hard to treat, but not usually life-threatening. Doctors at the Infectious Diseases Society of America say they are only fatal in rare cases. That's one reason why any injury that breaks the skin should be properly treated.
Make sure the injury is minor. If a cut is gaping open and bleeding heavily, you need medical attention, but not necessarily stitches. Many doctors now use medical glue to close wounds. There's no pain involved, and the wounds heal just as well.
If the wound is minor, follow these recommendations:
* Stop bleeding with pressure using a clean cloth or sterile pad. Avoid use of paper towels and dish towels.
* Clean the wound with running water. Use soap if the wound is dirty. Don't use lake or pond water.
* Cover the wound so it's not exposed to the air. Dry wounds don't heal as well as moist wounds.
* To add moisture, apply a triple antibiotic ointment or plain ointment such as Aquaphor.
* Use a sterile bandage and keep the wound out of the sun, which can worsen scarring.
* Change the bandage daily and check for infection. If the wound is getting worse instead of better, see your doctor.