Cuts & Minor Wounds

Types of wounds

Different types of wounds require different treatment, so whether you are treating yourself or a child, it's good to know the different types. With all wounds, the quicker you treat them the lower the risk of infection.

Here are some specific types of wound:

• Grazes: A common wound for children, grazes can hurt but won't usually leave a scar.
• Cuts: Cuts bleed more than grazes because the blood vessels have been damaged.
• Puncture wounds: They look small on the surface, but can be deeper than they appear and may require specialist medical attention.
• Bite wounds: Due to the risk of infection, you should ask a doctor to examine bite wounds.

Acting quickly

A wound is most sensitive to infection in the early stages, so you should quickly try to minimise the risk of germs entering the wound.

Try to use Bepanthen^® Antiseptic Cream as soon as possible after the injury.

As the wound continues to heal, continue to use an antiseptic cream as an aid to the healing process such as Bepanthen^® Antiseptic Cream.

Bepanthen^® Antiseptic Cream is an all-purpose antiseptic cream for the effective treatment of :

• Cuts, abrasions, scalds
• Insect bites and stings
• Chapped hands
• Minor skin irritation
• Sunburn
• Cracked and damaged nipples during lactation

Bepanthen^® Antiseptic Cream is gentle and effective enough to be used on baby’s skin.

First Aid for cuts

If you or your child is injured, the best way to aid healing is to immediately prevent germs from entering it. Healing is more difficult if a wound becomes infected, so treat the cut or graze as early as possible to avoid infection.

Minor cuts and grazes usually do not need a visit to the doctor. Proper care is essential to avoid infection and complications.

Here are some ways to help the healing process:

• The first thing to do is to try and stop bleeding by applying some gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for about 5 -20 minutes.
• Rinse the wound with clean water. Soaps and detergents can irritate the wound so avoid getting them in direct contact with the wound and clean thoroughly to reduce risk of infection.
• Once the wound is cleaned, wipe it dry. If the wound cannot be cleaned or if the wound is deep, more than 5-6 millimetres, visit the nearest emergency room/doctor. Quick closing of the wound, within a few hours, ensures faster healing and reduces infection risks.
• If the wound is shallow, apply Bepanthen^® Antiseptic Cream and cover the wound with sterile gauze/bandage to keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out.
• Change the dressing daily or as often as needed and if the wound isn't healing, visit your doctor.