Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Cuts And Scrapes

The rough-and-tumble years may be behind you, but somehow you never fully outgrow your vulnerability to cuts and scrapes. In fact, the chances of minor wounds can increase once you are over 60, because your skin is not as protective as it once was. Fragile skin is much more vulnerable to cuts and scrapes if you bump up against a hard surface. If you have a minor wound or scrape, you can use the advice here to deal effectively with it. And once you have your cut under control, here are some ways that can help you to reduce the chance of cuts and scrapes.

1. Wear Protective Clothing
   
   Older people who have diabetes or who are taking steroids for arthritis must be especially careful when working outdoors. They have skin that is prone to tear easily. It is recommended to wear gloves for any kind of manual labor outside the house. Also when gardening or doing yardwork, wear trousers, long sleeves, and gloves.
   
   
2. Be Careful In Your Home
   
   Be careful on stairs and never move quickly on hardwood stairs in stocking feet. Hardwood stairs are slippery and you can fall easily and scrape or cut yourself. Also, be careful getting in and out of the shower, which is where many older people injure themselves each year. That is the kind of thing that we have to change to prevent injury.
   
   
3. Keep It Moist
   
   Apply an antibiotic ointment or ordinary petroleum jelly. Moist wounds heal quicker and are less susceptible to scarring.
   
   
4. Stop The Bleeding
   
   Use gauze, a bandage, a clean cloth such as a towel or washcloth, or your hand to stop the bleeding. Apply pressure directly to the wound. If the wound is on your arm or hand and it is bleeding profusely, raise your arm above the level of your heart and continue to apply pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops.
   
   
5. Moisturize Your Skin
   
   Cover your skin with a good moisturizer, even if the skin itself will be covered by long sleeves or pants. Skin that is dried out is subject to more cuts, scrapes, and fissures than moist skin.
   
   
6. Clean The Cut
   
   It is recommended to clean the injured area thoroughly with ordinary soap and water. Keep the wound clean by soaping and rinsing it three times a day.
   
   
7. Block The Rays
   
   Use plenty of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect any exposed area of your body from the sun, especially your face, hands, and neck. This will reduce the ultraviolet damage that makes your skin fragile.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.