Although mouthwatering meals are made in the kitchen, mild to significant accidents can occur. From fires and burns to cuts and lacerations, it helps to be cautious and attentive. Since cuts are the most common accident, we want to share a few tips on treating minor cuts at home.

What are some things that can cause getting accidentally cut in the kitchen?

Knives, broken glass, and other implements with sharp edges can accidentally cause minor or major cuts. Some people get cuts when cleaning up broken glass, from sharp objects, or if the knife slips unexpectedly during meal preparation.

How to identify a severe cut.

Most minor cuts do not require medical treatment. However, a long, deep cut can be severe, especially if it is gaping, exposes bone or fatty tissue, or appears longer or deeper than half an inch.

Tips to treat minor knife cuts and abrasions.

1. Use water and soap to clean the cut while bleeding.
2. Gently squeeze the wound to eliminate bacteria or debris if it isn’t bleeding heavily.
3. Apply pressure with a clean towel or gauze until the bleeding ends. You can also elevate the finger to slow bleeding.
4. Cover the cut with a sterile bandage. Change the bandage when it becomes dirty, damaged, or damp.
5. Use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to keep the surface moist and help prevent scarring.

When to seek professional help for cuts.

You can treat most minor cuts and abrasions at home. However, you should seek medical attention if you notice the following.

1. You may need stitches if the cut is deep, you can see muscle or fat, it gapes open, or it has jagged edges.
2. You should get medical attention if a rusty or dirty item causes your wound or you can’t remove all the dirt.
3. You might need medical attention if it is a puncture wound or cut and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past five years.
4. If you experience numbness around the injured area, it could be a sign of nerve damage. Contact your healthcare provider.

Knife safety tip: A sharp knife can easily slice food without slipping to the side. However, a blunt knife requires more pressure and can cause it to slip. Remember to keep your knives sharpened.

You can use Find Yello to search for pharmacies, supermarkets, and related businesses for first aid kits, bandages, and other medical supplies.

Sources: WebMD, Verywell Health, E-First Aid Supplies, Summa Health, and Choice.