Evaluating the Initial Cut or Abrasion
Stop the bleeding, if there is any. The best way to do this is to apply direct pressure to the wound and, if possible, to raise it above the level of the heart (if bleeding is severe). This will diminish blood flow to the area, and give time for a clot to form at the site of the wound.
Clean the wound well. Start by washing the area thoroughly with cool, running water. Then use an antibacterial soap, if possible, such as Dial or Soft-soap (if you do not have either of these, regular soap will do) to clean the wound. If there is still debris in the wound, you may want to use a pair of clean, sterilized tweezers to remove it.
Know when to seek additional medical help. If the bleeding won't stop, or if is a deeper wound or has "foreign objects" in it (materials that cannot be removed easily), it is important to seek the advice of an experienced physician. Similarly, if the injured person has stepped or fallen on a sharp object (such as a nail) or been cut by a metal or rusty object, it is important to go to the Emergency Room to receive a tetanus shot (if necessary) and appropriate medical evaluation.
Making a Quick Disinfectant at Home
Add warm water into a cup. Make sure that the cup is clean. Then add a teaspoon of salt into the water. Salt can be iodized. The salt used for regular cooking will be ideal. Mix well until all the salt dissolves in the water. Using warm water helps it to dissolve faster. Salt mixed with water has been proven to be effective as a disinfectant, as shown by researcher Dr. Sarah Forgie (a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Alberta).
Add a tablespoon of vinegar and mix well. Any kind of vinegar (processed or natural) will do the trick. Vinegar contains a mild acetic acid, which can cleanse and disinfect wounds. Vinegar has been recognized for its medicinal uses and anti-infective properties since the age of Hippocrates (460-377 BC, considered the "father of modern medicine"). If vinegar is unavailable, fresh lemon juice will also suffice.
Soak the solution you have made into cotton wool. Then apply it to fresh cuts and abrasions on the skin. It is preferable to open a sealed pack of cotton wool to ensure optimum cleanliness. Make a fresh preparation each time this procedure needs to be repeated. This is the safest way to ensure the solution does not get contaminated in any way.
Learning About Other Disinfectant Options
Understand that sometimes it is easier to store pre-made disinfectant supplies at home. Especially if you are in a household with children — who are prone to frequent cuts and abrasions while playing — it can be helpful to have some supplies in the house that are "easy-access" for when an injury does occur. These can be purchased over-the-counter at any drugstore or pharmacy, and are described in more detail in the steps below.
Purchase antiseptics. Either iodine or hydrogen peroxide is effective as an antiseptic — meaning they work to reduce the likelihood of infection in a wound. Do not rub the area too hard when applying the antiseptic, as this may further the injury or cause irritation to the wound. Gently applying it is all that is required. Use a cotton ball to apply the antiseptic to the wound surface; this is because the cotton ball is clean, so it will not further contaminate the wound, as opposed to using your hand. Note that hydrogen peroxide is the most commonly used antiseptic, and it can be purchased at any drug store or pharmacy.
Use topical antibiotics. Antibiotic creams or ointments, such as Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic, can be applied directly over the cut, and then covered by a Band-Aid. These greatly diminish the possibility of bacterial infection of the cut or abrasion.
Try other natural remedies that decrease the chance of wound infection. These have been shown to boost the immune system and to increase speed of healing. Examples include gently rubbing aloe vera, honey, or lavender oil on the wound, and then covering it with a bandage.
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