---
title: "Cuts and grazes: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "How to stop bleeding, clean and dress a minor cut, tetanus considerations, and when a wound needs urgent medical care."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/
robots: noindex
---

# Cuts and grazes: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

How to stop bleeding, clean and dress a minor cut, tetanus considerations, and when a wound needs urgent medical care.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are cuts and grazes? Most small cuts and grazes can be treated by applying firm pressure, rinsing with clean running water and covering with a sterile dressing. Seek urgent care if bleeding will not stop, the wound is deep or gaping, something is embedded, sensation or movement is affected, or it came from a serious bite.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Cuts and grazes, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland.

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about cuts and grazes

- Apply continuous pressure with a clean pad for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse with tap water; avoid getting antiseptic inside the wound.
- Check whether tetanus vaccination is up to date after dirty or puncture wounds.

## Treating a minor wound

Wash your hands, stop bleeding with pressure, rinse the wound and pat the skin around it dry. Apply a sterile dressing or plaster and change it if wet or dirty.

## Do not remove embedded objects

Do not pull out glass or another deeply embedded object. Press on either side, not directly over it, and seek urgent medical help.

## Signs of infection

Increasing redness, heat, swelling, pain, pus, red streaking or fever can indicate infection. Seek prompt assessment, especially with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system.

## ! When to see a GP about cuts and grazes

Call **999** for uncontrollable bleeding, blood spurting from a wound, or a severed body part. Get urgent help for deep or gaping wounds, loss of feeling or movement, embedded objects, serious bites, or increasing redness, swelling, pain, pus or fever.

## Common questions about cuts and grazes

How do I stop a cut bleeding? Press firmly with a clean folded cloth or dressing for about 10 minutes without repeatedly lifting it to check. Should I use antiseptic in a cut? Rinse the wound with clean tap water. Antiseptic can clean surrounding skin but should not be poured into the wound. When might I need a tetanus vaccine? A clinician may check your vaccine history after a dirty, contaminated, puncture or bite wound and advise whether a booster is needed.

## Sources

- [NHS — Cuts and grazes](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/)