If you have access to disposable medical gloves, put one on your uninjured hand to prevent exposing the cut to the bacteria on your hand.

If there is dirt or debris in the cut after you have rinsed it and washed around it, use tweezers to remove the debris. Dip the tweezers in rubbing alcohol to sanitize it before you use it on your cut. [4] X Research source You do not need to use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, iodine, or an iodine-based cleanser on the cut, as these products can be irritating to the damaged tissue. If debris still remains the cut, or is hard to remove, you should seek professional medical care at your nearest clinic or hospital.

If blood is oozing out of the cut, this means you’ve cut a vein. Vein cuts will stop bleeding after about 10 minutes, with the proper care, and can usually be treated at home. [5] X Research source As with any severe bleed, apply pressure using sterile gauze or dressings to the wound.

Properly closing a deep wound within a few hours with stitches will minimize scarring and reduce your risk of infection. Generally, if the cut is less than 3 cm in length, less than 1/2 cm (1/4 inch) deep, and no lower structures are involved (muscle, tendon, etc. ), the cut is considered minor and can be treated without stitches.

Elevate the cut by raising your finger over your head, above your heart. Keep the dressing on the cut as you raise it over your head to soak up the blood.

Some people may develop a rash due to the ingredients in these ointments. Stop using the ointment if you develop a rash.

Use a waterproof band-aid or plaster so you can keep the bandage on while you are in the shower. If the bandage does become wet, remove it, air dry the wound, re-apply any creams you have been using and re-bandage.

A minor cut should heal within a few days. Do not take aspirin as it is a known blood thinner and cause you to bleed more from the cut. [11] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

After the cut has healed enough and there is a scab forming on the cut, you can leave it uncovered. Exposing it to the air will speed up healing.

If you lose mobility in your hand or experience numbness of your finger, you may have a more serious infection and should see a doctor right away. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Red streaks radiating from the cut are a sign of severe infection and medical attention should be sought immediately. If your cut was from an animal bite or a human bite, you should get it checked by a doctor. An animal bite, especially from a wild animal like a raccoon or a squirrel, may pose a rabies risk. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Domestic animals and humans have bacteria in their mouths that, once embedded in the skin, can greatly increase chance of infection.

As well, if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years and the cut is serious, you should get a tetanus shot as soon as possible.