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Cuts on the skin can be quite painful, causing inflammation or even sores. Fortunately, there are many natural disinfectants you can use at home to promote faster healing. Cuts heal faster when kept moist, so applying natural creams or ointments can speed up recovery. However, if the cut doesn't stop bleeding, is deeper than 0.5 cm, or shows signs of infection, it's best to consult a doctor.
Steps
Clean the Wound
Wash and dry your hands. Rinse your hands under water and apply a mild soap to create lather. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to eliminate germs and bacteria before rinsing off the soap. Dry your hands with a clean towel before tending to the wound.
- If you can't wash your hands with soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer. Wait for it to evaporate before touching the cut to avoid stinging.
- If possible, wear disposable gloves before touching the wound to prevent spreading germs.
Place clean gauze or fabric on the wound to stop bleeding. Choose a piece of fabric without fibers that you're not attached to or a large gauze that can cover the entire cut. Press the fabric gently against the wound and apply steady pressure just above the cut. Replace the gauze if it becomes soaked with blood, continuing to press firmly until the bleeding stops.
- If possible, elevate the injured area to reduce blood flow to the wound, which helps to stop the bleeding faster.
Warning: If the bleeding persists after 10 minutes, call a doctor as the wound could be severe.
Rinse the wound under running water for at least 5 minutes. Hold the cut under cool or lukewarm water in a sink or shower. Move the wound under the water to wash away any blood or dirt trapped inside. Keep the water running on the wound for 5-10 minutes to prevent infection.
- Avoid rubbing or touching the wound as this could cause it to reopen and bleed again.
- Do not soak the wound in stagnant water as bacteria could enter the wound. If necessary, you can use a cup of clean water to pour over the wound.
Disinfect the wound with a saline solution. Dampen a gauze with the saline solution and gently press it against the cut. Remove the gauze immediately to prevent reopening the wound. Continue dabbing around the wound until it's completely clean.
- If you don’t have a saline solution, you can use tap water or an alcohol-free disinfectant wipe.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide as it may cause irritation.
Pat the wound dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Carefully press the cloth against the wound to absorb moisture. Do not rub the cloth over the wound to avoid pain or causing the wound to bleed again. Just blot up and down on the skin until it is dry.
- Avoid using cotton or fiber-based materials as they may leave behind small particles in the wound.
Wound Bandage
Apply honey to the cut to effectively protect against viruses. Choose organic honey, as it is unprocessed and has better effects. Using your finger, gently rub the honey onto the cut, being careful not to reopen the wound. Apply a thin, even layer to cover the wound completely.
- Honey contains antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- If the honey is too thick to spread, you can gradually mix in a teaspoon of water to thin it out.
- You can also apply the honey onto a bandage or gauze if that seems easier than applying it directly to the skin.
Use a turmeric paste to help the wound heal faster. Add 1-2 teaspoons (3-6 g) of turmeric powder to a bowl and gradually add water, half a teaspoon at a time. Stir until it forms a paste that can be easily applied to the skin. Apply a thin layer of the turmeric paste to the cut to keep the wound moist and speed up healing.
- Turmeric has anti-infective properties and contains antioxidants that help keep the wound sterile.
- Skin may temporarily turn yellow when turmeric is applied.
Use lavender or chamomile oil as a natural antiseptic. Mix 2-3 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil, such as olive, almond, or avocado oil. Soak a gauze or cloth in the oil mixture and gently apply it to the cut. Spread a thin layer of oil over the surrounding skin area.
- You can purchase lavender or chamomile essential oils online or at pharmacies.
- Tea tree oil is also an option, though there is limited research on its use for wounds at this time.
Try using vitamin E ointment or oil if the wound shows signs of inflammation. If the cut is swollen or red, apply a small amount of vitamin E ointment or oil the size of your fingertip to the wound. Gently massage around the wound to help the vitamin E absorb into the skin, but be cautious not to cause pain or reopen the wound.
- You can find vitamin E creams or oils at pharmacies.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling.
Select a zinc-based ointment if you aim to reduce scarring. Choose an ointment containing at least 3% zinc for enhanced effectiveness. Apply a fingertip-sized amount of the ointment and gently rub it into the skin surrounding the cut. Continue rubbing until the ointment becomes transparent, allowing your skin to absorb it more efficiently.
- Zinc ointments are available at most pharmacies.
- You may also opt for zinc supplements instead of topical ointments. Consult your doctor before starting to ensure no interactions with any medications you're currently taking.
- Zinc helps the body repair cellular tissues more effectively, which reduces the likelihood of scarring.
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or a piece of gauze. Use a bandage wide enough to fully cover the wound. Press the bandage firmly over the ointment to ensure it sticks. If using gauze, apply adhesive tape around the edges to prevent it from peeling off.
- Minor scratches don’t need to be bandaged, as they usually don’t leave scars.
Change the bandage at least once per day. Whenever the bandage becomes wet or dirty, remove it immediately. Make sure to clean the wound daily to avoid bacterial buildup. Reapply your ointment and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Continue bandaging until the wound has completely healed or closed.
Warning: Never leave an old bandage on a wound for more than one day, as this increases the risk of infection.
Promote faster wound healing
Increase your intake of vitamin C and protein in your diet. Add fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, apples, or spinach to your meals to ensure you get 75–90 mg of vitamin C daily. Choose healthy protein sources such as eggs, lean meats, dairy, and seafood, as your body will need extra help to heal the wound. Aim for 0.8g of protein per kilogram of your body weight. Try spreading your food intake across several small meals and snacks throughout the day to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need.
- For example, a person weighing 68 kg would need to consume 54g of protein daily.
- If you’re not getting enough vitamin C in your diet, ask your doctor about taking a vitamin C supplement.
- Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while protein provides energy and nutrients to help your body recover.
Tip: You can also incorporate zinc-rich foods into your diet, such as whole wheat bread, nuts, seeds, and shellfish.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and speed up recovery. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water throughout the day to prevent your skin from drying out. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks like fruit juices, sodas, or coffee, as they can cause dehydration and slow down the healing process.
- Dry skin makes it harder for cuts to heal and may increase the chances of visible scarring.
Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Develop a habit of exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Try activities like walking, jogging, light weightlifting, cycling, or swimming, as these are gentle on the injury and won’t cause pain. Continue staying active even after full recovery, as this will help you prevent and heal injuries faster.
- If you’ve had a serious injury, consult your doctor to determine which activities are safe for you.
- Physical activity enhances blood flow, delivering oxygen to the wound, aiding in nutrient delivery, and promoting faster healing.
Avoid alcohol and smoking. Cut down on alcoholic drinks and tobacco in any form, as they can stress your body and lead to dehydration. If you’re a regular smoker or drinker, refrain until your wound has completely healed. Otherwise, your injury may take longer to heal or leave a scar.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption can interfere with your body’s nutrient processing, making it harder for wounds to heal.
When medical attention is required
Seek emergency medical care if the cut is in a sensitive area. For serious cuts on the face, hands, or feet, self-treatment may not be sufficient. You should also be examined if the cut crosses over joints, as nerves or ligaments could be damaged. In addition to cleaning the wound, a doctor may need to stitch it to ensure it closes properly and reduces the risk of scarring.
- If there is dirt, sand, or debris in the cut that you are unable to remove due to its sensitivity, seek medical help for assistance.
Visit the emergency room if the cut is deeper than 0.5 cm. Deep cuts can damage muscles or internal organs, leading to serious complications if left untreated. While it’s not something to panic about, you should go to the ER immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- You can’t stop the bleeding after 20 minutes.
- The blood is bright red or spurting, which may indicate damage to an artery.
- You see red muscle tissue or yellow fat.
- The cut remains open even after attempting to close it.
See a doctor if you have a fever or signs of infection. Even with proper treatment and a good chance of healing, cuts can sometimes become infected. Go to the doctor or the emergency room if you notice any of the following infection signs:
- Fever
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat
- Increased pain
- Drainage
Advice
- Make sure to test any natural remedies on a small patch of skin first to ensure you don't experience an allergic reaction, which could worsen the wound.
- If you need to alleviate pain and reduce swelling, try applying ice to the cut for 20-minute intervals.
- Once the wound has healed, you can use concealer to cover up any remaining marks.
Warning
- If you have a serious cut or notice signs of infection, avoid attempting self-treatment and seek medical attention immediately.
- Avoid picking at scabs, as this can delay healing or cause permanent scarring.
