How to Treat Deep Cuts

Check the wound. If you see fat, muscle, or bone through the cut, or if the cut is wide and open, you will likely need stitches. If you are unsure, you should go to a health station or hospital to get checked. ^[1]

• Signs that the wound needs immediate treatment include: severe pain, bleeding, signs of anaphylaxis (such as the skin becoming cold and sweaty, feeling cold or turning pale).
• A deep cut is when you can see fat (yellow budding), muscle (deep red, fibrous tissue) or bone (hard, ivory-white surface). ^[2]
• If the cut doesn’t go deep through the skin, you don’t need stitches and can take care of it yourself at home.

First aid for serious injuries before seeing a doctor. If you think a cut needs emergency treatment, there are a few things you need to do before moving. Quickly rinse the wound under running water to remove dirt. Next, apply pressure to the wound with a clean towel or gauze and continue to apply pressure while traveling to the emergency room.

• The wound will be cleaned again when you see your doctor to make sure it’s thoroughly disinfected.
• If the wound is large and bleeding heavily, cover the wound with a towel or medical gauze, then continue to hold with pressure. ^{[3] [4]}

Do not try to clean or seal the wound with tools you have at home. Do not try to remove any objects that do not come out of the wound when washing. If glass or other shards get stuck in the wound, you can make it worse by removing it yourself. Besides, do not try to sew or seal the wound because home tools can cause inflammation, making it difficult for the wound to heal. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or iodine to clean the cut, as it can slow healing. ^{[5] [6]}

Ensure safety when moving to the hospital. Do not drive yourself as it is very dangerous. If there is no one around and the wound is bleeding badly, it is best to call an ambulance.