Summer is one of the most active times of year—from days at the pool to bike rides and runs, surfing and skydiving, and any number of other adventures. Minor injuries such as scrapes and cuts are often associated with these types of activities. Here are some useful tips for caring for cuts earned from your summer adventures and for treating any scars that might form.
Keep Them Clean
The first step in caring for your cut is to wash your hands prior to touching it. Germs and bacteria can quickly spread and lead to an infection, so sanitized hands are a must. After washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, apply pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding. Once bleeding has ceased, clean your wound thoroughly. Use warm water and a washcloth to remove dirt and debris, but refrain from using soap, as it can act as an irritant. Keep in mind that wounds that become infected take much longer to heal and normally result in more pronounced scars.
Use a Bandage for Protection
Keeping a wound clean should extend beyond the initial injury phase. A bandage can help to keep the wound free from moisture, sunlight, dirt, and sweat while you continue to enjoy the great outdoors. Bandages and dressings are especially important for deeper wounds, which may be more prone to infection. Make sure that you change the bandage routinely to prevent the growth of bacteria. Your bandage should be changed at least once every 24 hours, but more frequently if the bandage gets wet or dirty.
If your wound is particularly deep or severe, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Deep wounds may require stitches. If stitches are required, make sure you follow the same directions above pertaining to keeping the wound clean and changing your bandage frequently—your doctor can provide you with more information.
Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Infection
If your wound does start to show any signs of infection, you need to act quickly; infections can spread and worsen rapidly. Common signs of infection include pus, fever, swelling, redness, irritation, pain, and in extreme cases, a sour or rotten odor. If any of these signs are present, call your doctor as soon as possible.
Treat Lingering Scars
Sometimes, even the best wound care can result in an unsightly scar. If you have a scar that’s embarrassing, obvious, or that you want to diminish the appearance of, Scarfade can help. Scarfade products are designed to help minimize the appearance of scars, with results visible in as little as two weeks. What’s more, they come with an unconditional satisfaction guarantee; if you’re not happy with the products, you can receive a full refund.
No matter what adventures you participate in this summer, keep these handy first-aid tips in mind for treating cuts and scrapes, both major and minor. Should you wind up with a scar after an action-packed summer, you can help your scar fade by applying specialized products like those available from Scarfade. Have fun out there!
Don’t forget to enter our contest and share a picture of your latest summer adventure and share it with us here. And remember, Summer is here so let the adventures begin and the Scars Fade!