Preparation and learning
Do minor cuts need antiseptic or antibiotic cream?
For most minor cuts, start with clean water or saline and a clean, non-stick dressing. Healthdirect advises that antiseptic creams are not needed for routine wound care. A clinician can decide whether an antibiotic is appropriate.
Start with basic wound care
Stop bleeding with pressure. Rinse a small wound with clean water or saline, then cover it. An ointment does not replace cleaning or remove dirt lodged in a wound.
If a wound is deep, gaping, contaminated or caused by a bite, get medical advice rather than trying a sequence of creams.
Avoid a one-product-fits-all rule
Antiseptics and antibiotics are different types of products. Their ingredients, intended uses and precautions vary. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about a particular product, especially for a child or someone with allergies or another medical condition.
Do not combine products because a general comparison article recommends it. Follow the product label and any treatment instructions you have been given.
Know when the wound needs a check
- Increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pain.
- Pus, fever or feeling unwell.
- A deep puncture, bite, embedded object or wound that is not healing.
Burns have different first-aid steps
Do not use this wound-care article as a burns treatment guide. Open the burns guide for cooling and assessment advice.