Cuts and scrapes are very common skin injuries, especially in children. Most are not serious and heal in a few days, although if not kept clean they can become infected. A cut is a tear in the skin that will usually form a scab, which will then fall off a few days later after the skin underneath has healed. Deeper cuts could possibly damage nerves, blood vessels or tendons – these will require medical attention. A scrape is where the upper layer of skin has been rubbed off after coming into contact with something rough.
How to treat cuts and grazes
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Nelsons Cuts & Scrapes Cream can be used to heal minor cuts and abrasions.
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Homeopathic remedies have been traditionally used to treat cuts and scrapes. Hypericum and Calendula can also be taken orally to help heal cuts and scrapes. (Always read the label.)
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Cuts and scrapes are often accompanied by bumps and bruises. If this is the case, please read our article on treating bumps and bruises for extra help and advice.
Seek medical attention if:
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The cut is gaping and cannot be properly closed with a regular sized plaster.
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When the cut is deep and there is a possibility that structures below the skin may be injured. (Indicated by swelling, numbness, bleeding that doesn’t stop or deeps cuts to hands or feet.)
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The cut is at risk of becoming infected such as if the cut has been contaminated or in contact with saliva or soils, or if fragments are contained within the wound, such as glass.
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If the cut is infected, this can be seen if the area swells, pus forms in or around the wound, redness spreads or there is more pain from the wound.
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