What to Do for a Cut in the Kitchen

For a small kitchen cut, first control bleeding, then clean and cover the wound. Do not rely on home treatment for a serious cut.

First aid. Wash your hands. If nothing is embedded in the wound, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. If an object such as glass is embedded, do not remove it or press on it; apply pressure around it and seek emergency help. Once bleeding stops, rinse a small wound with clean running water; wash the surrounding skin with soap and water. Cover with a clean plaster or sterile dressing and change it as needed. Do not put kitchen ingredients on an open wound.

When to seek help. Seek emergency help for bleeding that will not stop, spurting blood, a very deep or large wound, loss of sensation or movement, or embedded glass. Call 112 for severe bleeding. Seek medical care for increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever.

Preventing cuts. Secure the cutting board against slipping; cut a flat side on round ingredients and rest that side on the board. Curl the fingers holding the food, cut with control, and never try to catch a falling knife. Do not collect broken glass with bare hands; use a brush and dustpan, and dispose of shards in puncture-resistant packaging. Do not reach into sink water to search for broken glass.