Caring for cuts and grazes

Published: January 2012

Last Reviewed: March 2025

Cuts and skin grazes are an inevitable part of life. From minor kitchen mishaps to playground scrapes, they are among the most common types of injury. While often minor, cuts and grazes require proper care to prevent infection and promote healing.

Treating cuts and skin grazes consists of three main steps: 

1. Stop the bleeding (depending on the size of the wound) 
2. Clean the wound well 
3. Cover the wound with a plaster or dressing to create an ideal healing environment

Small cuts and skin grazes will typically stop bleeding on their own or after a few minutes of pressure because they don’t go any deeper than the skin. However, if your wound is deeper than the skin, follow these steps to stop it from bleeding: 

1. Check the wound for any foreign objects. 
2. If it's clear, apply direct pressure using a bandage or clean cloth (like a tea towel) for 10 minutes to stop the bleeding. 
3. If something is stuck in the wound, don't remove it. Instead, avoid pressing on the object and press firmly around it to close the wound's edges. 
4. To further reduce blood flow, raise the injured area above your head (if it's on your hand or arm) or lie down and elevate it above your heart (if it's on your leg). 
5. Once the bleeding has stopped, secure a fresh bandage over the initial one. 
6. If bleeding continues, leave the first bandage in place and add another, maintaining firm pressure for another 10 minutes.

You should see a doctor if your wound is bleeding heavily or if there are any foreign objects like glass or splinters deeply embedded in it.

Properly cleaning cuts and skin grazes is crucial to prevent infection and promote effective healing. Even minor injuries can harbour bacteria, which can lead to complications if left untreated. 

That's where Elastoplast Wound Spray is the ideal first step for treating cuts and grazes. Its gentle and effective formula provides a convenient, touch-free way to cleanse wounds, removing dirt and bacteria without causing unnecessary pain or irritation. Using Elastoplast Wound Spray helps create a clean environment, setting the stage for optimal healing and helping you get back to your day quickly. Learn how to clean your wound and why it’s important to do so.

To use the Wound Spray, spray it from a distance of approximately 10cm onto the entire wound area. Repeat, if necessary, then gently pat dry the area around the wound.

Finding the right plaster or dressing for your wound depends on its size, location and your lifestyle. Luckily, Elastoplast’s wide range of plasters and dressings means that there is something for everyone.

For optimal healing and protection of cuts and grazes, Elastoplast Second Skin Protection offers a superior solution. Its advanced hydrocolloid technology creates a moist healing environment, which is clinically proven to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring. This innovative dressing acts like a second skin, providing a waterproof and breathable barrier against dirt and bacteria while conforming comfortably to the body's movements.

Healing times for cuts and skin grazes depend on the severity of the injury. However, you can help your cuts and grazes heal faster with Elastoplast Wound Healing Ointment, which promotes up to 2x faster healing*. 

• First, gently clean and dry the wound. Then, apply a thin layer of the ointment to the affected area one to two times daily. 
• Cover the wound with an Elastoplast plaster or dressing. 
• Consistent, regular application is key to seeing the best results and speeding up your healing. Learn more about healing cuts.

*Compared to an untreated wound

While both are minor wounds, the main difference between cuts and grazes is how the skin is damaged.

A cut is an area of severed skin that has been penetrated with a sharp edge, and results from some form of trauma. This could be caused by an object such as a knife, a small tool or the edge of a sheet of paper. Knives are the most common cause of cuts, especially in the kitchen. 
 
As the skin is fully broken, the wound will often bleed and have slightly gaping wound edges. Cuts can happen anywhere on the body and can leave a scar.

In contrast to a cut, a graze takes place when just the top layers of skin are scraped off. Skin grazes, also called abrasions, are usually a harmless scrape of the upper skin layers that occur after falling on your knees, hands or elbows. They can be caused by road rash among other types of friction burns.

The top layer of skin can be scraped off from scratching against a rough surface, such as concrete or carpet. Abrasions can be painful since the injury often extends to the many fine nerve endings beneath the skin.

While cuts and grazes are common injuries, many can be prevented with simple precautions. Here are some practical steps to minimise your risk of skin injuries at home, work, and during recreational activities:

• When using sharp tools, be especially careful and, if necessary, wear protective gloves. 
• Pass scissors with the sharp ends pointing away from the person you are giving them to. 
• Handle glass with care. 
• Make sure to wear kneepads and elbow pads if you are doing sports like cycling and skating to prevent road rash.

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.