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before and after treating the cut. Wash up with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before touching your cut to avoid contaminating it further. Since it’s easy to spread germs that cause infection, wash your hands again after touching the cut. Avoid touching the cut unless you’re cleaning it or changing the bandage. Scratching or playing with it can spread germs and worsen the infection. Wash the cut thoroughly, using gentle soap and warm water. This will rinse away bacteria and other infectious microbes. After washing the cut, rinse it with warm water for about 5 minutes, then gently blot it dry with a clean towel. Do not clean or rinse the cut with iodine, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the injured tissue and slow down the healing process. Use a clean gauze pad, cotton swab, or paper towel to wipe the cut with an antibacterial ointment. Throw the pad or swab away after it touches your cut. Don’t add more ointment to the swab or set it down on a countertop. Apply antibacterial ointment 3 times a day or whenever you change the dressing. Dress the cut with an adhesive bandage or gauze to keep out dirt and prevent spreading the infection. Change the dressing at least 3 times a day, or whenever it gets wet or soiled. Don’t let the sticky part of an adhesive bandage touch the cut. Additionally, avoid touching the part of the bandage that comes into contact with your cut.
Wash your hands Clean the infected cut. Apply an antiseptic or antibacterial solution. Cover the cut with a sterile bandage.