We all get them, we trip, we fall, we didn’t pay attention when we used the knife. Here are a few things you can do to speed the healing.

Stop the bleeding – The fastest way to stop the bleeding is to apply direct pressure. Place a clean absorbent cloth, a bandage or towel over the cut and press your hand against it firmly. If you don’t have a cloth use your finger. This will usually stop the bleeding within a minute or two. If the blood soaks through your first bandage, add a second one and press steadily. Add new bandages over old ones because removing a cloth may tear off coagulating blood cells. If applying pressure doesn’t stop the bleeding, elevate the limb above the level of the heart to reduce the pressure of blood on the cut.

Clean the wound – This is important to prevent infection and to decrease the chance of permanent discoloration or tattooing. Wash the area with soap and water or just water. The object is to dilute the bacteria in the wound and remove debris. Gently clean twice a day.

Strap it up – When the bleeding stops or slows, tie the wound firmly with a cloth or wrap with an elastic bandage so there is pressure against the cut, but do not cut circulation off! If the cut continues to bleed, it is more serious than you thought and you probably need to see a doctor immediately. While waiting apply pressure to pressure points. These points are where you would normally think of taking your pulse. If you’re worried about whether or not you’ve interfered with your circulation and the cut in on an arm or leg, you can check with a fingernail or toenail. Squeeze the nail, it should turn white, then when you release it, turn pink again.

Triple antibiotics – using this and a bandage will heal cuts and scrapes about 30% faster.

Along with that – remember the bandage. We often think of scabs as a sign of healing, but cells regenerate more rapidly when moist

Honey – It can stand in for antibiotic cream. Dab a little onto your cut or scrape and cover with a bandage. It has antibiotic properties

Garlic – another of natures antibiotics. Try taping a crushed garlic clove over the cut. Take it off immediately if it irritates your skin.