Cuts and grazes

This is in addition to any specific advice given to you by the ambulance crew you saw today

If you have had stitches or adhesive strips, you will usually need to see the nurse at your GP practice; unless other arrangements have been made. You may need to return to the hospital after a few days to have them removed. 

• stitches or strips on the head are removed after three to five days
• stitches over joints are removed after 10-14 days
• stitches or strips at other sites are removed after seven to ten days
• tissue adhesive comes off by itself naturally after a week or so.

Once your cut is closed, a healthcare professional may cover it with a protective dressing to ensure that your stitches, tissue adhesive or skin-closure strips stay in place. 

To prevent tetanus (a serious bacterial infection), you may be given a Tetanus booster. If the healthcare professional treating you thinks you are at risk of developing Tetanus, you may be referred for specialist treatment. 

If the wound is painful, you can take painkillers, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. However, you should not take Ibuprofen if you have certain conditions; such as a stomach ulcer, or asthma. Children under the age  of 16 should not take aspirin. 

When taking medication, always check the packaging for recommendations regarding use and dose. 

You should also look for signs of infection that include

• pain
• redness (inflammation or swelling) and tenderness around the injury
• from the injury there is leaking coloured fluid that may have a nasty smell
• you have a temperature.

If these are present then you should contact your doctor.

Should the wound open or start to bleed

• If your cut or graze is bleeding heavily, or is on a particularly deli­cate area of your body such as the palm of your hand, you should stop the bleeding before applying any kind of dressing.
• Apply pressure to the area using a bandage or a towel. If the cut is to your hand or arm, raise it above your head. If the injury is to a lower limb, lie down and raise the affected area above the level of your heart so the bleeding slows down and stops.

If the dressing comes off

• Check for any bleeding and follow the advice above.
• Cover the wound with a clean dressing, or cloth that won't stick.
• Contact your practice nurse, visit a Minor Injury Centre or visit A&E if required.
• If the bleeding is severe then you should call an ambulance on 999.

Patient advice leaflet - Reviewed June 2023