Lacerations
Introduction
Most cuts and grazes are minor and can be easily treated at home. Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that's needed. Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days. This page covers: Lacerations When to get medical help When togo to accident and emergency (A&E)
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on
Introduction
Cuts and grazes are common and can usually be treated at home. Read about how to treat them and when you should seek medical advice.
How to treat cuts and grazes
Stop the bleeding Stopany bleeding before applying a dressing to the wound. Apply pressure to the area using a clean and dry absorbent material such as a bandage, towel or handkerchief for several mi
When toget medical help
Call NHS 111 or visit your local walk-in centre , minorinjuries unit or GP surgery ifthere's a riskyour wound could becomeinfected, or you think it'salready infected. Awound is atrisk of infectioni
When to go toA&E
Go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible if: you cannot stop the bleeding you're bleeding from an artery blood from an artery comes out in spurts with eac
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products