1. Clean the Wound Properly
- Initial Cleaning: Immediately wash the wound with clean water and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris. For burns, run cool water over the area or use a cool, wet cloth.
- Rinsing: Using tap water is fine, and it’s the most important step to prevent infection. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, as these can irritate the wound and delay healing (OSU Wexner Med Center) (University Health Services).
2. Control Bleeding
- Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding. If bleeding persists, seek medical attention.
3. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment
- After cleaning, apply a thin layer of bacitracin antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound. This helps keep it moist and prevents scarring (University Health Services).
4. Cover the Wound
- Cover the wound with a clean bandage. Change the bandage at least once a day, especially if it gets wet or dirty. Contrary to popular belief, wounds heal faster when they remain covered (OSU Wexner Med Center).
5. Monitor the Wound and Practice Good Hygiene
- Clean the wound area twice daily with soap and water, and reapply the ointment and bandage after each cleaning.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating the wound to avoid infection (University Health Services).
6. Pain Management
- It’s normal for wounds to cause some pain. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). Avoid aspirin products, as they can prolong bleeding (OSU Wexner Med Center).
7. When to Seek Medical Attention
- If the wound is large, deep, won't stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection (red streaks, increased pain, pus, warmth, fever above 100.4°F), contact a healthcare professional. Also, if the wound results from a bite or puncture, professional care might be needed (University Health Services).
For more detailed guidance, you can visit the sources provided by the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Ohio State Medical Center.