Wash your hands before touching the cut
Rinse the cut gently with clean running water
Use mild soap around the cut, not inside it
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding
Pat the area dry with a clean towel or gauze
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment
Cover the cut with a sterile bandage or adhesive dressing
Keep the cut clean and covered overnight
Elevate the injured area if it is swollen or bleeding
Avoid picking, scratching, or reopening the cut
Change the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty
Seek medical care if the cut is deep, gaping, won’t stop bleeding, or shows signs of infection