sterilizing blades..

[beebs]

Alot of my cuts are getting badly infected, i think it might be because i dont sterilize my blades.

i hope this isn't considered asking for tips, but i have no idea how to sterilize my blades, i just dip them in water before i cut.

so yeah, how do i sterilize them the right way?

[Magenta]

Well, if you're going to cut, it's better you take precautions to avoid infection so I won't give you some lengthy speech about stopping (though that is always something worth trying).

Rubbing alcohol can do wonders for sterilizing. Just let it soak for a bit then dry it off. The infections are likely from a non-sterilized blade or not looking after them properly. In the case of the latter situation, this thread (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=21146) may help you a lot. If any of the cuts are seriously infected, don't be afraid to go to a doctor. It's better to deal with the consequences of getting help than of leaving it.

Remember, if you ever need anyone to talk to, we're more than happy to listen. :) Stay safe, Laura.

[Kaius]

I use antibacterial soap and put savalon cream on the cuts after i make them, i barely get any infections by doing this.

[FullyAlive]

I don't sterilize my blades I just swap them when they're blunt, but alcohol sterilizes so stuff like surgical spirit or as Jo suggested rubbing alcohol should do it.

and remember to disinfect the cuts too like aaron said use cream or I use a spray just personal preference.

:hug:

[XxfakexX]

I tend to use ear piercing cleaner because it's cheap and easily does the job. Be careful though because with some sterilisers it can just worsen the infection.

[Mortal Coil]

I always use a lighter to sterilize them because it's easier and also makes the blade hot when I use it.

[georgiamay]

I've never had an infection, and I never steralised my blades. I used to run them under warm water after I'd used them, and if they got blunt I'd get a new one. Using blunt blades can actually be quite dangerous as well, because you have less control over how deep you're going and can accidently go too deep and hit a vein/artery. I'm not saying that using a sharp blade is "good," I'm saying that if you're going to use a blade, it'd be best to make sure you can control how much you're hurting yourself (not going to give you a lecture).

If you make sure that you always clean your blades after they've been used and keep them in a relatively clean place, you should be fine.

[ShootingStar]

I usually jus swap my blade every time I've used it. But I would recommend putting antisceptic cream on the cut if you're worried :)
SS..x