Cuts and scrapes

Minor cuts and scrapes usually don’t require a trip to the clinic. But if your wound is deep — all the way through the skin — jagged, or exposing fat or muscle, see a doctor as soon as possible. You may need stitches. Proper wound closure within a few hours minimizes scarring and reduces the risk of infection.

This skin care suggestion can help care for minor cuts and scrapes:

1. Wash your hands. Helps avoid infection.
2. Stop the bleeding. Minor cuts and scrapes usually stop bleeding on their own. If needed, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth and elevate the wound until bleeding stops.
3. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with water. Keeping the wound under running tap water will reduce the risk of infection. Wash around the wound with soap. But don’t get soap in the wound. And don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can be irritating.
4. Apply several drops of Helichrysum, Lavender and/or Cypress into the wounds directly. Repeat these 2-3 times daily to accelerate the healing and prevent scarring.
5. Beewax Coconut Oils Ointment. Apply a thin layer of an ointment to keep the surface moist and help prevent scarring. Certain ingredients in some ointments can cause a mild rash in some people. If a rash appears, stop using the ointment. (Best to make your own chemical free ointment with food grade essential oils.)
6. Cover the wound. Apply a bandage, rolled gauze or gauze held in place with paper tape. Covering the wound keeps it clean. If the injury is just a minor scrape or scratch, leave it uncovered.