Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches

Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches

[Pt: Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches]

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, all of the information below is based on my research. It is always best to see a doctor if you are injured. I do not promote self-harm.

1. Stop The Bleeding

[pt: 1. Stop The Bleeding]

If the injury is spurting blood, apply pressure and call for an ambulance immediately. Follow the instructions of the emergency line operator.

Apply pressure to the injury or injuries with a clean cloth that will not get fluff in the wound (e.g. a bit of shirt). For shallow cuts or scratches apply even pressure for 5 minutes. For deeper cuts apply presser for 7-10 minutes.

If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure you need medical attention immediately. Call for an ambulance if you cannot get yourself to A&E.

2. Assessing Damage

[Pt: 2. Assessing Damage]

Call for an ambulance if...

If the injury is spurting blood, you have hit an artery

You go into shock (link)

If you are unsure if you need immediate medical attention

If you do not think you can take care of your injuries alone and cannot get yourself to A&E

Seek immediate medical attention if...

If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying pressure

If you lose sensation or movement in any area, this is a sign of nerve or tendon damage

The injury is to a joint, palm, your face, or genitals

If the injury is internal

You can see muscle or bone. Muscle looks like meat

If you do not think you can take care of your injuries alone

If you are unsure how serious an injury call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online (link)).

If you seek medical attention follow their instructions.

3. Cleaning And Bandaging The Injuries

[Pt: 3 Cleaning And Bandaging The Injuries]

Make sure your hands are cleans. Rinse the injuries with warm water to remove any debris. Dry the area well with a clean cloth that will not get fluff in the wound. You do not need to use an antiseptic lotion or cream.

If a wound needs stitches, seek immediate medical attention. If you cannot/will not seek medical attention use steri-strips (link) or butterfly bandages (link) to close the injury. These can also be used for more minor injuries where the edges of cut do not meet.

Otherwise use a plaster (band-aid) or a bandage (depending on the size and spacing of your injury/injuries) to cover the injury.

4. Wound Care, Part 1: Normally Healing Injury

[Pt: Wound Care, Part 1: Normally Healing Injury]

If the plaster/bandage/etc. you used comes with instructions, follow them. Otherwise, change dressings daily or when they become dirty or wet. Steri-strips and butterfly bandages can be left on till they fall off or the wound has heald. Check for signs of infection (link) when you change dressings (more info on infections below). Never reuse dressings

There is no need to clean an injury again when changing dressings unless it becomes dirty. There is no need to apply antiseptic lotion or cream to an injury unless there are signs of infection (link) (more info on infections below).

5. Wound Care, Part 2: Infected Injury

[Pt: 5. Wound Care, Part 2: Infected Injury]

Seek medical attention immediately if you show symptoms of a serious infection, such as...

Confusion or disorientation

Feeling faint or dizzy

Irregular heartbeat and/or breathing

Cold, clammy, pale skin

Fever (body temperature of 38c (100.4 f) or higher)

Fainting

Severe muscle pain

Painful muscle spasms

And more (link)

If you do not feel safe to or cannot get to an A&E by yourself and have no one to take you, call for an ambulance. A serious infection can be deadly, DO NOT attempt to care for at home.

Symptoms of mild infection; spreading redness, heat, or swelling near the injury, increased or new pain, increased fluid leaking from wound. Some redness, pain, and fluid leakage can be normal.

If you are unsure how serious an infection is see a doctor or call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online (link)).

To treat a mild infection...

Clean the wound with warm water and unscented soap

Soak in warm water or apply a warm wet cloth for ten minutes

Apply antibiotic ointment to the infected wound(s)

Re-dress the wound. Do not reuse dressings.

Repeat this 3 times a day daily until infection subsides. If the infection worsens or does not go away seek medical attention.

If you are unsure how serious your infection is see a doctor or call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online (link)).

If you do not feel that you can tend to your injury alone seek medical attention.