Most cuts and scrapes are minor and can generally heal by themselves, especially if you wash the area with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and place a bandage on it. Sometimes, however, bacteria can enter the skin through the open wound and grow faster than your body can fight them. This may cause an infection.
In this video, learn the typical signs of an infected cut and when to call a doctor. Read more about how to treat a cut here.
References
Armstrong, D.G., et al. (2024). Basic principles of wound management. UpToDate.
Baddour, L.M. (2022). Patient education: Skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis) (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Cuts and puncture wounds.
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Written by:
Brittany DoohanBrittany Doohan was the Content Director at HealthiNation and is currently the Editorial Director at Medscape. Through her work with Medscape, she won a Silver Telly Award in May 2022 for "Sleepless Nation: A Public Health Epidemic — Episode 2: A Decade Without a Diagnosis." She has worked in health journalism and video production for more than 8 years, and loves the challenge of explaining complex topics in an easy-to-understand and creative way.
Reviewed by:
Alexandra Schwarz, MDAlexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.
