Wash your hands with soap and water
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding
Rinse the wound under clean running water
Remove visible dirt or debris with clean tweezers cleaned with alcohol
Clean around the wound with mild soap and water
Pat the area dry with clean gauze or a clean towel
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if appropriate
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing
Change the dressing daily or when it becomes wet or dirty
Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain
Seek medical care for deep, large, dirty, or heavily bleeding wounds
Seek medical care if the wound was caused by an animal bite, puncture, or rusty object
Seek medical care if bleeding does not stop or if you have not had a recent tetanus shot