I need first aid help

[cyberian]

I was working on my computer box the other day, and I made a cut at the back of my hand because I pull the cables too hard and ended up slicing a small piece of fresh off.

1. I was wondering if isopropyl rubbing alcohol (70%) is safe for disinfecting cuts. I read the label, and it only mentions about stiffness and bed sores. Therefore I wasn't sure. So is it a good idea to use it on open cuts?

2. If the above works, would iodine make a better disinfectant than alcohol?

I usally just slap a bandaid onto it, and still do. But would like to practice first aid properly.

 

[luvs]

i did the same sort of thing earlier this week. i tore a big chunk out of my hand and was bleeding so badly i thought i'd need stitches.
i used lots of antibacterial soap and bandaids. if the band-aid got wet, i changed it right away.
i'm healing well now.

 

[jpmcgrew]

If it bleeds pretty good it is already cleaning its self out pretty good I think the alcohol would sting like h**l I pour on hydrogen peroxide stings a little then put on some neosporin and a bandaid.

 

[BlueCat]

Well, we'd probably hear you yell cross country if you poured rubbing alcohol on that cut. Hydrogen peroxide will clean it.

I cut my finger the night before Easter and ended up in the hospital emergency room because I'm on Coumadin and it would NOT stop bleeding for over 2 1/2 hours. It was a bit scary.

BC

 

[middie]

DON'T use alcohol... it'll clean it yes but man will it ever BURN. i think brooksy would hear ya all the way from australia !! peroxide will work just as well. it still might sting depending on how deep the cut is. iodine i think would be up there with the alcohol on the burn factor.

 

[SierraCook]

I pour on hydrogen peroxide stings a little then put on some neosporin and a bandaid.

This is what I do also. Get neosporin that also has the pain reliever in it. I also use a liquid bandage. It keeps the wound clean and can stand getting wet and in dirty situations.

 

[luvs]

yes, sierra's right. use liquid bandages.
liquid bandages are great. i've been using them for years.

 

[cyberian]

Thanks everyone who has given suggestions.

I perfer not, or rather, stop using bandages. Why? Because I have been changing bandages in the last 5 days, and each time I rip one off, the hair at the back of my hand goes with it. Also, I don't like seen the skin at the back of my hand been streached as I rip it out.

By Day 2 of changing bandages, the hairs are all gone. They are only 5mm, but it still hurts.

Now my hands look funny. One has hair, and the other has missing hair.

 

[IcyMist]

Use the liquid bandaid. They are wonderful and even when you wash your hands won't come off. It's clear and so nobody even knows you have a bandid.

 

[Andy M.]

...Now my hands look funny. One has hair, and the other has missing hair.

Don't worry about how your hand looks. It's already different because it has a big cut on it. The missing hair will grow back.

Using bandaids is proven to promote faster healing and less scarring than using nothing.