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The article mentions ointment and bandages, which are of marginal value for a paper cut. By far the most effective treatment for paper cuts and other small inju
by Stratoscope 10y ago
The article mentions ointment and bandages, which are of marginal value for a paper cut. By far the most effective treatment for paper cuts and other small injuries such as torn hangnails is a liquid bandage like New-Skin:
http://www.newskinproducts.com/liquid-bandages/liquid-bandage/ http://www.newskinproducts.com/liquid-bandages/liquid-bandag...
Don't use any ointment; that will interfere with the bandage sticking to the cut. The liquid bandage itself prevents infection because it seals the wound completely and has a mild antiseptic in it. Just wash the cut with water, followed by some hydrogen peroxide if you have it. Never use rubbing alcohol on a cut unless you enjoy extreme pain!
Let the cut air dry, then apply a thin layer of the liquid bandage. It may sting a bit at first, but that only lasts a moment. Wait for it to dry and add a second layer for more protection, and even a third layer if you want some cushioning. The thin layers will dry faster than one thick layer. If you really need some extra cushioning you can put a band-aid on top of the liquid bandage after it dries.
If the cut is bleeding, you'll need to stop the bleeding first, otherwise it will seep through the liquid bandage as it dries. You can use pressure or a band-aid while the bleeding stops. Afterward, still don't use any ointment, just wash and dry and apply the liquid bandage.
The edges of the dried bandage will tend to peel after a day or so, especially if if it gets wet for a while. You can just add another layer on top, especially around the edges, or depending on the cut it may be better to peel off the old bandage completely and start with a new layer.
I've used this stuff for years and can't recommend it enough. Do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle or two - I keep one at home, one in the car, and one in my backpack.
(It should go without saying that I have no connection with this company. But if you'll forgive a pun, they have saved my skin!)
- thearn4 10y agoSuperglue also works pretty well, if nothing else is available.
- mirimir 10y agoLiquid bandage is better for paper cuts. But superglue is better for deep cracks in calloused skin, and for broken nails.
- YZF 10y agoYou should avoid both hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol... "Using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to clean an injury can actually harm the tissue and delay healing. The best way to clean a minor wound is with cool running water and mild soap. Rinse the wound for at least five minutes to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria." - WebMD ... But I've seen this in quite a few places.
- Stratoscope 10y agoThanks for the correction! I missed the edit window for my comment, or I would have noted it there. My personal experience after using it probably thousands of times is that a quick peroxide rinse seems to do some good, and has never done any apparent harm when followed up with a liquid bandage - at least on the kind of very minor cut we're talking about here. All the cuts I've treated this way have healed quickly and cleanly. But I'll certainly defer to the experts before advising others on this. And rubbing alcohol is of course very bad news!