First Aid for Scrapes and Cuts

I usually go beast mode on box jumps. This one time at crossfit... I missed a box jump and wiped out hard on the box. I just lost focus for a second and then shin to box.

Injuries happen in sports and fitness. Here is how to deal with scrapes and cuts you may get.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and I cannot diagnose or treat any medical conditions. The below information is written to be informative and is based on my experiences as a fitness professional and First Aid Instructor. Please seek medical treatment if your condition worsens or if you are unsure of the correct course of treatment.

First Aid for Minor Scrapes, Cuts, and Abrasions:

• clean the area with soap and water or an antiseptic pad
• apply gauze, pad, or bandage
• secure dressing

optional - if you have no allergies, applying antibiotic ointment to small scrapes or surface cuts may aid in healing

First Aid for Major Scrapes, Cuts, and Abrasions

• stop the bleeding
• apply pressure with gauze, pad, or other clean cloth
• once bleeding has stopped, wrap dressing with gauze

You May Need to Seek Medical Attention

• if there is a lot of bleeding
• if you can not stop the bleeding
• if you see any signs of shock
• if you are not sure what to do

Preventing Scrapes, Cuts, and Abrasions

* Wear protective gear when appropriate (wrist guards, shin guards, socks, etc)

* Stop exercising if you are feeling fatigued or feel yourself losing focus.

My injury created a minor surface cut. I washed it with soap and water, which hurt, high amount of pain during showering, not gonna lie, cleaning this cut required deep breaths, wincing, and squirming. I used an over the counter antibiotic ointment, non-stick pads, and gauze. Full healing took a few weeks and I still have shin scars but post injury ointments may help with that. I hope this article provided you some solid tips in the event of a minor injury. Remember, when in doubt always seek medical attention.

Next week's topic is sprains and strains.

Health and Happiness,
Larissa

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