Looking After a Wound: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Looking After a Wound: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide ❤️

If you or do o you know has self-harmed, the priority is keeping safe, looking after the wound and getting appropriate support.

Try to stay calm and non-judgemental - they may already be feeling frightened, ashamed or upset.

🩹 Step 1 — Wash your hands

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the wound.

🩹 Step 2 — Stop any bleeding

Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth.

If blood soaks through, don’t remove the first layer. Add another clean cloth or dressing over the top and continue applying pressure.

🩹 Step 3 — Clean the wound

Once bleeding has stopped, gently rinse the wound with clean running water.

Avoid putting harsh substances such as alcohol, bleach or hydrogen peroxide into the wound, as these can damage healing tissue.

🩹 Step 4 — Cover it

Pat the surrounding skin dry and cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick dressing or plaster.

Change the dressing regularly and keep the area clean and dry.

🩹 Step 5 — Keep an eye on it

Check the wound regularly for changes.

🚩 Signs of infection

Seek medical advice if you notice:

• Increasing redness around the wound

• Swelling or warmth

• Increasing pain or tenderness

• Pus or unusual discharge

• The wound becoming increasingly difficult to move around

• Redness spreading away from the wound

• A fever or feeling generally unwell

Don’t wait for an infection to become severe before seeking advice.

🚨 When should you get urgent help?

Get urgent medical attention if:

• The bleeding won’t stop despite continuous firm pressure

• The wound is deep, gaping or particularly large

• There is loss of feeling or difficulty moving the affected area

• Something is embedded in the wound

• There are signs of significant infection or the person is becoming very unwell

• You are worried that your child may seriously hurt themselves again or cannot keep themselves safe

• 
  

If you believe there is an immediate risk to life, call 999 or go to A&E.

For non-life-threatening concerns, you can also contact NHS 111 for advice.

And remember…

A wound needs treating, but the person needs care too.

Try to avoid anger, blame or punishment. A calm response such as:

“I’m not angry with you. I’m glad you told me. Let’s get your wound looked after and work out what support you need.”

can help them feel safe enough to talk.

You don’t have to manage this alone. If self-harm is happening repeatedly, please speak to your GP or the appropriate mental-health service and explain what is happening, particularly if the behaviour is increasing or becoming more severe.

All my S&L Self-Harm Safety Kits contain sterile, cut specific first aid, and also refill packs.

You are not alone 🧡💚