How to Handle a Deep Cut

A deep cut can be caused by sharp objects that damage the skin, such as simple things like the corner of a wall or cutting tools like knives. Regardless of the cause, deep cuts are often painful, bleed significantly, and may require emergency care. If you or someone else has a deep cut, it's important to assess the seriousness of the injury and take action immediately.

Examine the wound. If you can see fat, muscle, or bone through the cut, or if the wound is wide and gaping, stitches may be necessary. If you're unsure, it’s best to visit a medical facility for a professional evaluation.

• Signs that the wound requires immediate treatment include: severe pain, heavy bleeding, signs of shock (such as cold, sweaty skin, feeling cold, or becoming pale).
• A deep cut is when you can see fat (yellowish, bulging tissue), muscle (dark red, fibrous tissue), or bone (a smooth, white surface).
• If the cut hasn’t penetrated deeply through the skin, stitching may not be necessary, and you can manage it at home.

Administer first aid for serious injuries before seeing a doctor. If you believe the cut requires emergency treatment, you should perform a few steps before heading to the hospital. Quickly rinse the wound under running water to remove any dirt. Then, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze, and continue pressing while heading to the emergency room.

• The wound will be cleaned again by the doctor to ensure it has been thoroughly disinfected.
• If the wound is large and bleeding heavily, cover it with a clean cloth or medical gauze, then keep applying pressure.

Do not attempt to clean or seal the wound with household tools. Avoid trying to remove any objects stuck in the wound when cleaning. If glass or any debris is embedded, removing it yourself may worsen the injury. Additionally, do not try to stitch or seal the wound with at-home tools as they can lead to infection and hinder healing. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine to clean the cut, as it may slow down the healing process.

Ensure safety when transporting to the hospital. Do not drive yourself as it can be very dangerous. If no one is around and the wound is bleeding severely, it is best to call emergency services for help.

Clean the cut. Wash it with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. Any type of soap and clean water will do. Research shows no significant difference in using hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial soap for cleaning the wound.

• It’s important to clean the wound thoroughly. If there’s dirt, glass, or other objects stuck in the cut that you can't easily remove, or if the wound is caused by contaminated or rusty objects, or an animal bite, you should see a doctor.

Apply pressure to stop the bleeding. After cleaning the wound, press a clean cloth or medical gauze onto the injury for at least 15 minutes. You can also reduce blood loss by keeping the cut elevated above the level of the heart.

• If the bleeding continues, it’s important to see a doctor.

Dress the wound. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with medical gauze. Keep the wound dry and clean by changing the dressing 1-2 times a day until it heals.

Monitor the wound for signs of infection. If you notice any signs of infection, consult a doctor. Symptoms may include a warm or red area around the wound, pus, increased pain, or fever.

Call for emergency help or ask someone else to do so. If possible, have a professional assess the injury as soon as possible. If you are alone with the injured person, it’s essential to stop the bleeding before seeking help.

Wear gloves when assisting others. It's crucial to protect yourself from coming into contact with the injured person’s blood. Medical gloves will act as a barrier, safeguarding you from potential bloodborne infections.

Assess the severity of the wound and the patient's response to the injury. Also, check the patient’s breathing and circulation. Have the patient lie down or sit, if possible, so they can rest and relax.

• Examine the wound to understand the issue. Cut clothing (if necessary) to get a clear view of the injury.

Evaluate the life-threatening risk of the injury. If the wound is on the arms or legs and is bleeding heavily, instruct the patient to raise the affected limb. Keep it elevated until the bleeding stops.

• Anaphylactic shock can also be life-threatening. If the patient is in shock, keep them warm and help them relax.
• Do not attempt to remove any foreign objects like shards of glass unless trained, as removing them may cause excessive blood loss if they are controlling the bleeding.

Dress the cut. Place a clean medical gauze pad directly over the wound and apply gentle pressure.

• If you don't have medical gauze, you can use a cloth bandage. If you have a bandage roll, use it to wrap around the injury. Be sure not to wrap it too tightly, and ensure you can slide two fingers underneath the bandage.

If blood soaks through the first layer of bandage, apply another layer. Do not remove the first bandage, as it may disrupt the clotting process.

• Leaving the first bandage in place helps retain the coagulated blood, preventing further blood loss.

Monitor the patient's breathing and blood circulation. Calm the patient while waiting for help to arrive (in serious cases) or until the bleeding stops (in less severe situations). Emergency services must be called if the wound is serious and/or the bleeding does not cease.

• Describe the victim's injury status when calling for emergency help. This will allow the emergency team to better prepare and respond as soon as they reach the scene.

Allow medical professionals to treat the wound. For example, if the cut is deep or infected, you may need a tetanus shot. Tetanus is a severe infection that can lead to paralysis and even death if not treated. Many people receive tetanus vaccines and boosters (the updated shots) as part of their regular healthcare routine every few years.

• If your wound was caused by a contaminated or rusty object, it's particularly important to receive a booster shot to avoid infection. Consult a doctor to determine if you need a shot!

Severe wounds require suturing or stapling by medical professionals. If the cut is deep, wide, or open, a doctor will decide whether to stitch (sutures) or staple the wound together. When the doctor stitches or staples the wound, they will clean the cut and inject a local anesthetic around the wound. After suturing, the doctor will bandage the wound.

• The doctor will use sterile needles and thread to stitch the edges of the wound together. Some stitches dissolve over time, while others require removal once the wound heals.
• Staples used to close the wound are similar to sutures but must be removed once the wound is sufficiently healed, just like non-dissolvable stitches.

Proper wound care. Taking proper care of stitched and stapled wounds is essential for quick healing and preventing infection. To ensure this, you should:

• Keep the sutures or staples dry and bandaged daily. Your doctor will inform you how long to keep the wound covered, typically for 1-3 days depending on the type of stitches and the wound's size.
• When cleaning the wound, use mild soap and water to gently wash around the sutures or staples. Avoid soaking the wound, such as in a bath or pool, as excessive moisture can slow healing and lead to infection.
• After cleaning, pat the area dry and apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage the wound with sterile gauze or follow your doctor's instructions.

Avoid activities or sports that could impact the wound for at least 1-2 weeks. The doctor will advise you on how long you should refrain. The stitches may tear, causing the wound to reopen. Visit your doctor if this occurs.

• See your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection (e.g., fever, redness, swelling, or discharge).

Visit the doctor once the wound has healed. Non-dissolvable stitches and staples will be removed after 5-14 days. Once the stitches or staples are taken out, protect the scar from sun exposure with sunscreen or clothing. Ask your doctor to recommend a scar-healing ointment.

• Ointments containing vitamin E or silica can help reduce the formation of raised scars (red, bulging marks) after a serious wound heals.