can anyone tell me

[Discomposure]

ways to prevent cuts from gettin infected? and what actually infects them in the first place?
thanks :) x

[dead]

using hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound,covering the wound with a clean band-aid or medical coth

[Project Delta]

Just making sure that it is covered at all times, until a scab has formed and then it will be able to protect itself, although if the scab is taken off it will most likely need recovering.

[Darkness]

Savlon and a bandage.

[Sapphire]

Applying any antiseptic cream like Germolene will help prevent infections and speed up the healing process. Putting a plaster or bandage on it after the cream will help the most.

As for what infects them, it isn't rocket science. Germs that are able to get inside the wound will cause an infection. This can be either from using dirty implements to break the skin (needles, blades etc) or from leaving an open wound without any form of protection.

[Darkness]

Oh, don't put a plaster on right after the cream or I'll soak it up and won't stay on, let it sink in first.

[Sapphire]

Oh, don't put a plaster on right after the cream or I'll soak it up and won't stay on, let it sink in first.
I've never had a problem with putting a dot of cream on to a wound, not rubbing it in and putting a plaster over it straight away.

[Darkness]

I've never had a problem with putting a dot of cream on to a wound, not rubbing it in and putting a plaster over it straight away.

Really? What Plasters and cream do you use?

[Sapphire]

Really? What Plasters and cream do you use?
Yes, really.
I've used a number of different creams and plasters.

[Darkness]

Yes, really.
I've used a number of different creams and plasters.

Hmm well must be me then :whoops:.

[Discomposure]

thanks, i know it might sound daft but i just use toilet roll and press it on the cut and when the blood comes through i just change the toilet roll, is this an okay way?

[Sapphire]

It's good to stop the bleeding but plasters are better if you want to protect it from germs.

[BlackenedSilver]

That is an okay way to stop the bleeding originally, just keep pressure on it.
But then when it has stopped bleeding heavily, put disinfectant cream on and then a plaster.

[Discomposure]

thanks but what if there are lots of cuts, i tend to do a lot at a time, i would feel wierd with loads of plasters on my arm, is it okay to not put plasters on?

[BlackenedSilver]

If you really don't want to put plasters on then it's your choice but plasters or a bandage will help prevent them from getting infected.

[Sapphire]

A gauze bandage is better in that case.
If you are serious about preventing infection, then covering cuts which are likely to come into contact with germs is essential.

[Discomposure]

right thanks everyone can i just get them gauze bandages from a chemist?

[Darkness]

Large department stores and supermarkets are more likely to have them if you live in a rural area. You can get them as refills for medi-kits so if your parmisist has them (The kits), (bright green boxes with white +'s on) They probably will have them (The gauze bandages) to sell alone.

[Discomposure]

thanks very muchh :) are they expensivee?

[Darkness]

I've no Idea I've only seen them when I'm in for other stuff. Internet says £4.49 tho.

[PoisonedRazorBlades]

I wouldn't think they'd be too expensive

[Discomposure]

okayy :)

[dstnyisurs]

I'm not going to bother with reading what others are saying and I'll give you my two cents. Tweeedledee!

1) Make sure you clean whatever you are cutting with. If you're going to cut, just make sure you clean it. You can look up online how to best clean the material you are using.
2)Let the blood clot. This is how scabs are eventually formed, and this is the earliest way your body combats infections by closing the wound with clots of blood.
3)Once the blood is clotted, clean off the wound with cool to warm water and hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will sting, but hydrogen peroxide helps the wound to heal quickly. If all else fails, use a gentle soap and water though this will sting quite a bit.
4)With the cleaning, your wound may begin to bleed a little because you will be scrubbing off the blood clottage and early scabbing. So get a bandage/plaster and stick it on there. Don't keep poking under the bandage or anything, just let it sit and do it's job of keeping germs out and soaking up blood and debris. Change it in about 8-10 hours, or whenever there is visible gunk through the bandage.
5)Don't pick at it and don't put your hands near it if possible. Once the wound has scabbed over let it get some air and don't fiddle with it. Clean it every night still and just let it be.
That is the best method to preventing infections. Time and cleaning.

[Discomposure]

thanks very much :)