Cuts

A cut refers to a skin wound with separation of the connective tissue elements. Unlike an abrasion (a wound caused by friction or scraping), none of the skin is missing the skin is just separated. A cut is typically thought of as a wound caused by a sharp object (such as a knife or a shard of glass).

The term laceration implies a torn or jagged wound. Lacerations tend to be caused by blunt trauma (such as a blow, fall, or collision). Cuts and lacerations are terms for the same condition. The term gash can be used for more dramatic effect because it implies a longer or deeper cut . An avulsion refers to a wound where tissue is not just separated but torn away from the body. After you suffer a cut  you often bleed.

Other concerns with a cut  include infection, pain, damage to structures beneath the skin, and future scars. Although it can be obscured by blood , a cut  is one of the easiest medical conditions to diagnose. A deep cut , may reveal underlying tissues such as fat, tendon, muscle, or bone. Some people faint at the sight of their own blood  (this is a neurological reaction in which a reflex slowing of the heart causes a low blood  pressure called vasovagal syncope). Physicians need to distinguish this common faint from people who pass out from loss of blood  (hemorrhagic shock).  

When to seek medical attention: Call your doctor to decide whether you need a tetanus booster. You should have had a tetanus booster immunization within the last 10 years if you have a simple, clean cut , or within the last five years if you have a more complex or dirty cut . Beyond general wound care advice, it is very difficult to give advice on care specific to a patient's cut  over the phone. Your doctor may help you decide whether it is better to go to the doctor's office or to a hospital's Emergency Department.

Ask these questions when considering whether to get treatment for a cut  at a hospital's Emergency Department: Can you stop the bleeding ? Are the wound edges separated? Can you adequately clean the wound? Is it possible that serious underlying damage was done (such as a cut  nerve or tendon)? Do you need a tetanus or rabies shot? Tetanus is a serious condition resulting from a poison made by the Clostridium tetani bacterium, which is often present in dirt. Rabies is a serious viral infection of the nervous system resulting from bites of rabid animals.

Self Care at Home: Most bleeding can be stopped with direct pressure and time (rest and elevation are also helpful). Cleaning with a gentle soap and water will help reduce the chance of bacterial infection. Antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) and a sterile gauze bandage will help to protect the wound from further infection and water loss until a scab forms.

Essential oils including Lavender, Lemon and Tea Tree can help the cut to heal. Bathe the cut in water with 1 drop Lavender and 1 drop Tea Tree essential oils.  If a plaster is applied put one drop of Lavender essential oil onto the plaster before application.  

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£2.75

Lemon Essential Oil

This antiseptic and anti-bacterial oil will perform many tasks especially when blended with other oils, including treating verrucas, insect bites and tension headaches. It has a tonic action on the lymphatic system and a stimulating action on the digestive system. It will aid slimming, help shift cellulite and smooth out those wrinkles

£2.75

Lemon Tea Tree Essential Oil

Lemon Teatree is unusual in that it is active against all three varieties of infectious organisms - bacteria, fungi and viruses. Excellent in all sorts of skin care, treating veruccas, for whooping cough and other respiratory problems and for infectious illnesses such as chicken pox.

£5.25

Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea Tree - the ultimate antiseptic which is a truly wonderful oil to keep in. Use it for veruccaes, thrush and warts, acne, rashes and dandruff. Try it for resipratory problems such as coughs and catarrh and use it to help with viral infections and increase the boxes immune system.

£2.75