Kitchen knives, yard work, a fall on the sidewalk — small wounds are part of life. Most heal well with simple care at home. But some need a professional, and knowing the difference can prevent infection and scarring. Wound care is one of Dr. Adiet's areas of special interest.
Caring for a minor cut or scrape
- Stop the bleeding with firm, steady pressure using a clean cloth for several minutes.
- Clean it under running water. Gently remove dirt. Mild soap around the wound is fine.
- Protect it with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a clean bandage. Change the bandage daily or when it gets wet or dirty.
When to be seen
- The wound is deep, gapes open or has jagged edges — it may need stitches, ideally within a few hours
- Bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of firm pressure
- It was caused by an animal or human bite, a rusty or dirty object, or a puncture (like stepping on a nail)
- Dirt or debris won't wash out
- It's on the face, a joint, the hands or the genitals
- You aren't sure when you last had a tetanus shot (boosters are generally recommended every 10 years, sooner for dirty wounds)
Signs of infection
Call us if you notice spreading redness, warmth, swelling, increasing pain, pus, red streaks moving away from the wound, or fever. These usually appear one to three days after the injury.
Sores that won't heal
A sore that hasn't improved in two weeks deserves a closer look — especially if you have diabetes, poor circulation or numbness in your feet. In these conditions even a small blister can become serious. Check your feet every day, wear well-fitting shoes, and never ignore a foot sore.
When it's an emergency
Call 911 for heavy bleeding that won't stop, very deep wounds, or injuries with numbness, weakness or a possible broken bone.
For wounds that need attention, call (936) 756-2888 — we offer same-day appointments when available.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health. In an emergency, call 911.
