Wash your hands before touching the cut
Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding
Rinse the cut with clean running water
Clean around the cut with mild soap and water
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze
Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if appropriate
Cover the cut with a sterile adhesive bandage or gauze pad
Secure gauze with medical tape or a wrap if needed
Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty
Keep the cut covered until it has closed or healed enough
Seek medical care if the cut is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection