Description: Occurs when the skin is rubbed or scraped against a rough surface, damaging the skin's surface but typically not bleeding much.

Initial Care: Stop the bleeding with gentle pressure. Clean the wound with water and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, as they can irritate the wound.

Post Care/Referral:Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to keep it moist. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and change it at least once a day, or whenever it gets wet or dirty.

Referral: Generally minor and does not require a referral unless signs of infection develop.

Initial Care: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Elevate the injured area if possible. Clean the wound with water and mild soap. Remove any visible dirt or debris with tweezers cleaned with alcohol.

Post Care/Referral: Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. Cover with a sterile dressing. Referral/Sutures: Seek immediate medical attention (sutures, stitches, or skin glue)

if the cut is:

Deeper than 1/2 inch.

Bleeding heavily and doesn't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.

The edges are jagged or don't stay together.

Initial Care: If a large or embedded object caused the puncture, do not remove it; stabilize it and seek immediate medical care. For a minor puncture, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding.

Post Care/Referral: Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage.

Referral: Puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection (including tetanus) because they're hard to clean deep down. Seek medical attention for all but the most minor punctures (like a tiny needle prick), especially if caused by a dirty object (like a rusty nail or animal bite), or if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 5-10 years.

Initial Care: Immediately apply firm, direct pressure to control life-threatening bleeding. If a body part is completely severed, wrap the severed part in moist gauze and pack it in ice for transport to the hospital for potential reattachment.

Referral: Immediate emergency medical treatment is required for an avulsion due to the high risk of severe bleeding, tissue loss, and shock. The wound will likely require sutures, skin grafting, or other advanced medical procedures.

Initial Care: Apply a cold pack or ice (wrapped in a thin towel) to the bruised area for no more than 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.

Post Care/Referral:

Wait at least 20 minutes before reapplying the cold pack.

Referral: Typically managed at home. Seek medical attention if the bruise is extremely large, the area is very swollen and rigid, or if you suspect internal bleeding from a serious accident.