|Cuts|, |scrapes| and bruises are common everyday occurrences. |Cuts| and |scrapes| are both injuries to the skin with |bleeding| and pain. First, stop the |bleeding| of a cut or scrape by applying pressure with a clean cloth or tissue. If possible, elevate the wounded area above |heart| level to slow ~blood~ flow. (See |PUNCTURE WOUNDS| for specific instructions as the procedure is different.) Second, cleanse a scrape or cut by washing it gently with |soap| and water and cover it with a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention immediately if the |bleeding| comes in spurts, the cut looks very deep or the edges of the wound gap open, if a scrape is very large and there is a lot of debris in it, if your face is cut, or if you think the wound has hidden dirt or debris in it.
A bruise is a redness on the skin when impacted that turns black and blue. The best treatment for a bruise is to apply cold packs and elevate the limb.
