Minor Wounds, Cuts & Scrapes
In everyday life, minor injuries such as wounds, cuts and scrapes occur time and again due to carelessness. Smaller wounds can usually be treated by the patient himself. If the injury looks worse, it is better to go to a doctor. This is always the case with heavily bleeding and contaminated, deep and gaping wounds with frayed or bruised wound edges. If foreign bodies introduced into the tissue cannot be removed cleanly and without residue, a visit to the doctor is of course a must. Puncture wounds with knives and scissors also require medical care and a check to see whether deeper-lying structures such as nerves, tendons and vessels are damaged. If limbs feel numb, or if the skin turns white or pale due to a lack of blood circulation, a medical checkup is also necessary.
Symptoms
What To Expect
Cuts or tears in tissue (lacerations), abrasions and stab wounds can be caused by bites and other mechanical impacts. Wounds that are not caused by bites, are clean and relatively small, usually heal quickly and easily. However, some wounds can cause massive blood loss. In some wounds, deeper structures such as nerves, tendons or blood vessels are also injured. Other wounds can become inflamed. A piece of foreign material (such as splinters, glass or fragments of clothing) could remain hidden inside the wound, causing problems later, such as infection. Superficial cuts rarely cause heavy bleeding and usually stop by themselves. On the other hand, cuts to the hand and scalp as well as to arteries and large veins often bleed massively.
Made Worse By
Wounds and cuts are often caused by carelessness. In order to prevent wounds and injuries it is sufficient to approach everyday life attentively. Avoid sharp tools or wear protective clothing. Depending on the activity, one should dress accordingly as a preventive measure.
Diagnosed By
If the wound bleeds heavily or symptoms such as fever, chills, etc. occur after 24 hours, a doctor should be consulted immediately, as infections can occur. The doctor will examine the wound and proceed accordingly.
Caution Seek immediate medical attention for serious or deep wounds or grazes, especially if the pain has not considerably lessened after 24 hours.
Products that may help Minor Wounds, Cuts & Scrapes
Herbs that may help Minor Wounds, Cuts & Scrapes
Remedies that may help with Minor Wounds, Cuts & Scrapes
Aloe Vera Treatment for Cuts
For initial wound care of cuts, aloe vera is an effective wound healing agent.
- Cleanse the wound with the gel.
- Cover with a dressing soaked in gel.
- Change dressing frequently.
Comfrey for Wound Healing
Comfrey contains allantoin. This active ingredient accelerates wound healing and scarring, has an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effect.
- Apply comfrey ointment at the edges of the wound or once a scrabbles has formed, use a comfrey poultice.
- Use aloe vera to cleanse the wound after.
Caution Do not use comfrey on an open wound.
Witch Hazel Tincture for Cuts and Scrapes
Witch hazel stops light bleeding caused by a small cut, for example, and stimulates wound healing. Responsible for these effects are the tannins.
- Apply distilled witch hazel to the affected area.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day.
Yarrow Lotion for Minor Wounds
The juice from the herb of yarrow kills germs in a wound. It has additional hemostatic properties and is suitable for the care of cracks and cuts.
- Make a yarrow lotion.
- Let the lotion cool.
- Use as a wash.
Marigold Cream for Cuts and Scrapes
Marigold has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces bacterial growth (disinfecting) and promotes wound healing. But caution it stings.
- Make a marigold lotion with 2 heaped tsp of herb.
- Add 150 ml of water or use tincture neat or diluted in water.
- Apply either preparation to the wound.