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Published on September 11, 2025 at 4:00 / Updated on September 30, 2025 at 8:00

A cut is an injury where the skin is open. It may have been split, torn, or peeled away.

Causes

Some of the most common causes are:

  • Falls
  • Blunt force contact with a hard object
  • Contact with a sharp or cutting object

Some activities carry a higher risk of injury, such as play in children or manual work, particularly in people with fragile skin.

Treatment

If the cut is not deep, it can be treated by following these steps:

  • Wash your hands.
  • Stop the bleeding by raising the injured area above heart level, if possible, and gently pressing on the wound with a compress or a clean cloth for 15 minutes without interruption.
  • Clean the wound with water. You can use soap and water to clean around the wound.
    • Rinse thoroughly.
    • Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these may irritate the wound.
  • Remove any debris with clean tweezers, if necessary.
  • Cover the wound with a bandage. Your health care professional can help you choose the most appropriate dressing and determine how often it should be changed.
  • Check for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or foul odour).

Healing may take longer for some people and may require special care. For example, people who are taking medications that slow blood clotting, have a weakened immune system or have diabetes should ask about the precautions they need to take.

If the wound has been caused by a dirty object or could have been contaminated by dirt, you should check with your health care provider if your tetanus vaccination is up to date. This disease, caused by bacteria found among other places in the soil, can have serious consequences.

When should I see a health care professional?

Consult your health care provider in the following cases:

  • The cut is deep
  • The wound cannot be adequately cleaned
  • The wound is jagged or the edges of the cut gape open
  • The injury is located in the facial area (e.g., near the eyes)
  • The wound is the result of a human or animal bite
  • Bleeding does not diminish to an ooze after 15 minutes of direct and continuous pressure
  • Moving the affected area is very painful
  • There are signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, foul odour or fever)

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