If a head injury has occurred, check for a concussion, and seek medical care immediately.
Is deep enough to see fat, muscle, or bone. Is spurting blood. If it is, put pressure on the wound with your hands, or clothing or other material while you wait for help. This will help to slow the bleeding. Has edges that are jagged and far apart.
Hold a clean cloth or gauze over the bleeding portion of the wound, and apply pressure for a few minutes. Change the cloth or gauze if it becomes soaked with blood. If the bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes, contact a doctor, as stitches or other treatment may be required. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source [5] X Research source <
Hydrogen peroxide and iodine were traditionally used to disinfect skin wounds. However, hydrogen peroxide and iodine can actually damage living cells, so medical professionals now advise that you should not apply them to a wound. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source [10] X Research source
If dirt or other material is lodged so deep in the wound that you cannot get it out, contact a doctor.
There are numerous types of antibiotic creams and ointments, containing different active ingredients or combinations (bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin, for example). Always carefully follow the directions provided with your cream regarding the amount to use and method of application. Some triple-antibiotics, such as Neosporin, contain neomycin, which can cause contact skin allergies. If you notice redness, itching, swelling, etc. after using one of these products, stop using it and switch to one containing polymyxin or bacitracin, but no neomycin. If you cannot use a topical antibiotic cream for any reason, then apply petroleum jelly or Aquaphor to the wound area. This will keep the site moist as it heals.
Ibuprofen is also an anti-inflammatory and may help reduce any swelling. If the skin around the wound is dry or itchy, use a moisturizing lotion to relieve this discomfort. Wear clothing that will not irritate the wound area. If possible, wear clothing that will not rub against the road rash site while it heals. For example, if the wound is on your arm, try to wear short sleeves; if it is on your leg, try to wear shorts. This will make you more comfortable.
Exactly how fast your wound will heal depends on a number of factors like your age, nutrition, whether or not you smoke, your stress level, if you have an illness, etc. Moreover, antibiotic creams will only reduce your risk of infection, not actually heal the wound faster. If you wound seems to be healing abnormally slowly, check with a medical professional, as it could be a sign of something more serious, like an illness. [24] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
If there is dirt or other foreign material in the wound that you can’t get out of it. If the wound site becomes more red, swollen, warm, or painful, as these can be signs of infection. If red streaks radiate from the wound. If the wound site drains pus, especially if it smells foul. If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, etc. ).
For example, consider elbow, wrist, and knee pads when engaging in sports such as skateboarding and skating. Wearing a helmet will protect your head from injury in these and other activities, such as biking and motorcycling.
