Superficial wounds and minor wounds can be easily treated at home by following these simple steps,
- Firstly, wash and disinfect the wound, remove all dirt and debris.
- Apply pressure to control bleeding and swelling
- Apply wound healing cream if required
- Wrap the wound using a sterile dressing or bandage
- Keep the wound clean and dry for at least 5 days for fast wound healing
- Take pain medication if required
- Take wound healing medication
- Apply ice if there is bruising or swelling.
However, you would need to see a doctor in the following case;
- The wound is deeper than ½ inch
- The bleeding does not stop
- Persistent bleeding for more than 20 minutes
- The wound is caused by a major accident.
Depending upon the severity and type of wound a doctor can use different techniques to close the wound like stitches, skin glue or wound vac, which is vacuum assisted closure of the wound. After a tetanus shot would be given in case of punctured wounds to avoid infection and septic. In some cases doctors choose not to close the punctured wound and rather just cover it with gauze to aid natural healing.