DIY danger
Question
I cut myself when I was trying to do some DIY and didn't think anything of it until now. I just used the stanley knife again and it's really rusty. Could I end up with an infection?
Answer
It's possible your cut may become infected so need to you clean the cut and look out for any of the following signs: swelling; redness; pus oozing out of the cut; or fever.
If you do have any symptoms of infection or if you haven't had a tetanus injection in the past 10 years, please visit your GP, as it may need medical attention. The following advice should help reduce the risk of infection in the wounded area:
- Firstly wash your hands with warm water and soap to make sure they are clean;
- Remove any dirt from the cut by washing it gently with water and mild soap;
- Place a clean dressing over the cut and apply gentle pressure to stop it bleeding;
- once the bleeding has stopped place either a fresh plaster on the cut or a sterile wound pad and tape it to the surrounding skin using bandage tape (this is the kind of tape that you get in first aid boxes);
- It's important that you check the wound regularly and clean with mild soap and water;
- If the dressing or plaster gets wet or dirty change it for a clean one;
- Eventually the cut should scab over. When it does, take off the plaster or dressing. Try not to scratch or pick at the scab, as the skin underneath will take longer to heal.
But please try not to worry, if the wound is infected it should be easily treatable by your local doctor (GP).
Updated: 25/01/2007
Question answered by bss
