DALLAS, April 30 (UPI) -- People in spring enjoy the outdoors but sports, running, hiking and biking can result in skinned elbows and cut knees, a U.S. researcher says.
Dr. James Thornton, associate professor of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, says properly caring for wounds can reduce inflammation, speed healing and minimize scarring.
"After an injury, apply pressure to the wound with gauze or tissue paper to control bleeding, then use cold water to clean dirt and debris from the cut," Thornton says in a statement. "If necessary, cleanse the surrounding area with mild soap, but avoid direct contact with the wound because it can cause irritation. Apply an antibiotic cream daily to help keep it clean, and bandage the wound if it's on an area that will get dirty or will rub against your clothing."
Scabs are the body's way of bandaging itself, so it is important to leave them alone, Thornton says.
"Seek medical attention if the wound becomes red or warm or secretes discharge," Thornton says.
