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Home > Skin & Beauty > Skin Conditions > 10 Home Remedies for Minor Wounds and How to Use Them

10 Home Remedies for Minor Wounds and How to Use Them

June 6, 2022 - Updated on July 12, 2022
12 min read
By Sarita Sanke, MD | Dermatology

In this article:

  • First-Line Treatment for Minor Wounds
  • Home Remedies to Treat Minor Wounds
  • Causes of Minor Wounds
  • Signs and Symptoms of Minor Wounds
  • Dietary Interventions That Can Assist in Wound Healing
  • Factors Preventing Wound Healing
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Most-Asked Questions About Cuts and Wounds
  • Final Word

Everyone suffers from minor cuts and injuries now and then. Most of these are harmless, (albeit annoying) and usually heal on their own.

home remedies to treat minor wounds

Yet, it is still necessary to provide primary care to any wound, cut, or scrape on your body as these injuries can get infected by bacteria, giving rise to secondary infections. (1)(2)

Not sure how to care for that finger you cut while slicing onions? Don’t worry, we have you covered. Here is a brief guide to minor wound care at home.

First-Line Treatment for Minor Wounds

first-line treatment for minor wounds

Here is the recommended first-line treatment for minor cuts and wounds:

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  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap to avoid transferring bacteria from your fingers to the wound. (3)
  2. Clean the wound using soap and water. Wash gently to get rid of any dirt on or near it.
  3. Apply a clean cloth or gauze to a cut that is bleeding. A little pressure should help stop the bleeding soon.
  4. Bandage the cut using a sterile Band-Aid.
  5. Take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol or acetaminophen if the wound hurts a lot. (4)
  6. Take a tetanus vaccine shot if you haven’t in the last five years (especially if you cut yourself with a dirty object such as a rusty nail.)

This first aid care should be enough to help most minor cuts heal fast.

However, if your cut appears longer than an inch, is deeper than normal, or won’t stop bleeding, you should consult a primary care physician immediately. When cared for properly, most minor cuts should heal completely in 7–8 days.

Home Remedies to Treat Minor Wounds

These are effective at-home treatments you can try to help heal minor cuts and wounds fast.

Note: Always consult your doctor before applying herbs to open wounds.

1. Apply honey

honey usage can help in wound healing

Honey contains potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is also highly viscous and provides a soothing, moist environment for wound healing. It has been used as an antiseptic for cuts and wounds for ages. (5)

How to use:

According to research, you can dress your wound using pure unadulterated honey, a mixture of honey and ghee, or honey and tea tree oil to prevent infections and promote wound healing. (6)(7)

2. Use turmeric topically

turmeric can help soothe the wound area

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is another powerful natural antiseptic that can help prevent wound infections. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and irritation. (8)

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Turmeric also contains an antioxidant compound known as curcumin, which can help increase collagen production and thus help build skin tissue faster. (9)

How to use:

  • You can dust turmeric powder directly on the wound to promote healing.
  • Alternatively, you can mix half a tablespoon of turmeric with some flaxseed oil or tea tree oil to make a paste. Apply this paste to the wound a couple of times a day.

Note: Turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding in some cases. Do not use it if you are at risk of bleeding. (10)

3. Use calendula flowers

calendula flowers can help promote wound healing

Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, is a medicinal herb used in a number of natural antiseptic formulations. (11) In fact, calendula cream was used as an antibacterial wound dressing for soldiers in the First World War.

Calendula contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe burns, and it is also used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. (12) It is an effective antibacterial agent that prevents wound infections.

How to use:

  • Calendula flowers can be crushed and mixed with a carrier oil to be applied topically to the wound.
  • You can also make a tincture of calendula flowers by boiling them in some water. Use this water to wash the wound once a day. (12)

4. Apply aloe vera gel

applying aloe vera gel can help soothe minor wounds

Aloe vera was known as “the plant of immortality” in ancient Egypt due to its many beneficial properties for the body – particularly the skin. (13) Aloe vera is filled with antioxidants, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins including vitamins C, E, and B.

Aloe vera gel, extracted from its leaves, has soothing properties and can help provide relief from wound irritation and burning. It has potent antimicrobial properties and helps clean the wound when applied topically. (14)

5. Soothe the wound area with chamomile tea bags

using chamomile tea bags can help soothe minor wounds

Chamomile has recently gained traction in markets worldwide as a “soothing and calming agent.” (15) Chamomile tea is a popular drink used to relieve stress.

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Chamomile contains natural oils that help heal the skin and body tissues.

How to use:

Dip chamomile tea bags in cold water, and apply the tea bags topically to the wounds to absorb the natural oils and aid in the healing process. (16)

6. Use plantain leaves for wound healing

plantain leaves usage can also help promote wound healing

Plantain contains powerful plant chemicals including aucubin and allantoin, both of which help decrease skin irritation, exhibit antimicrobial properties, and promote wound healing. Plantain is a traditional natural remedy for wounds.

How to use:

Crush some plantain leaves, and apply them directly to the wound to help heal it. (17)

7. Using tea tree oil can help soothe the wound

tea tree oil usage can assist in wound healing

Tea tree oil is widely available in the form of oils or creams. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that may help heal cuts, insect bites, and minor scrapes.

However, tea tree oil should not be used on burns as it can cause further irritation. (18)

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8. Give cinnamon a try

cinnamon tree oil can be used to help soothe minor wounds

Cinnamon tree oil contains antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can promote wound healing. Cinnamon-based ointments and creams are sometimes used as wound dressings.

Cinnamon can be a strong compound and should be used sparingly. (19)

9. Apply lavender oil

lavender oil usage can help soothe minor wounds

Lavender oil has been used to treat insect bites for centuries. It contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help provide long-lasting relief from pain and irritation.

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Recent studies have shown that lavender may also help increase collagen production to help heal wounds faster. (20)

How to use:

Mix lavender oil with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) and apply the oil mixture to the wound.

10. Dab on some cayenne pepper

Cayenne pepper is a medicinal and culinary plant used widely in Asian countries. Cayenne pepper powder is filled with antimicrobial properties and can be dusted on wounds to prevent any skin infections. It may also help reduce bleeding in fresh wounds.

Causes of Minor Wounds

A wound technically refers to any injury to the skin or deeper body tissues. Minor wounds include cuts, scrapes, sores, scratches, or burns.

Some possible causes of small injuries you or your child may incur are:

  • Cuts by handling sharp objects such as knives or scissors
  • Burns from the stove, oven, hot objects, cigarette lighters, etc.
  • Scrapes and scratches from a fall

Signs and Symptoms of Minor Wounds

Symptoms that may accompany minor wounds include:

  • Light bleeding
  • Redness or irritation
  • Pain and burning sensation
  • Inflammation (21)

Dietary Interventions That Can Assist in Wound Healing

dietary interventions can help assist in wound healing

Eating foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory practices can increase wound healing significantly.

1. Add foods that support fast healing

Consume the following nutrients to facilitate wound healing:

  • Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, K, and E help promote wound healing and blood clotting.
  • Zinc: Zinc helps regrow skin tissues faster.
  • Clean, lean protein: Protein is essential to help increase collagen production in the body. Collagen helps heal wounds and scars.

Consuming nutritious foods such as oranges, papayas, lentils, green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products, seafood, and organic chicken and meat should provide you with all of the above-mentioned nutrients.

2. Avoid foods that slow healing

You may want to avoid consuming a few types of foods that can delay the healing process. These include:

  • Alcohol: Alcohol can increase inflammation in the body and slow down the healing process.
  • Processed foods: Processed foods contain preservatives, chemicals, excess sugar, and other ingredients that may delay the wound healing process.
  • Sugar: It is best to lower your sugar consumption while waiting for a wound to heal as it can cause swelling and slow down the process (especially if you are diabetic). (22)

Factors Preventing Wound Healing

The following factors can prevent or slow wounds from healing:

  • Medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
  • Alcohol consumption or smoking
  • Reduced blood circulation
  • Stress
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Certain medications such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and chemotherapy drugs

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your wound hurts a lot even after a couple of days.
  • You develop a sudden fever.
  • You notice pus or unusual discharge from the wound.
  • Your wound doesn’t stop bleeding.
  • You notice swelling near the wound.
  • You smell a foul odor from the wound.
  • You are diabetic and notice any of these symptoms on your wound. (23)

Most of these are signs of wound infections. These infections can be serious at times and should be treated by a doctor.

Most-Asked Questions About Cuts and Wounds

general queries about minor wounds

Can Vaseline heal cuts?

Vaseline is just a formulation of petroleum jelly and does not help heal scars or cuts.

When will the wound start to heal?

The wound will start to scab as it heals. Make sure to not pick at the scab to avoid secondary infections. You can use natural moisturizers such as coconut or olive oil to help heal wounds.

Should water or an antiseptic be used to clean a wound?

Yes. You can use clean water or mild antiseptics to clean a wound. (24)

Why are antiseptic lotions and creams not recommended for use on wounds?

Strong antiseptic solutions such as hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine solution can damage the body tissues and delay healing in an open wound. Thus, it is best to avoid them unless specified by your doctor.

Final Word

The main stages of wound healing are:

  1. Controlling the bleed and allowing it to clot
  2. Cleaning and sanitizing the wound
  3. Preventing infections with bandages, antiseptic ointments, etc.
  4. Allowing the skin tissue to heal

When proper attention is paid to these simple practices, the wound heals easily. If a wound does not seem to heal even after following all the above practices, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor as early as possible.

References
  1. Lalonde D, Joukhadar N, Janis J. Simple effective ways to care for skin wounds and incisions. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6846309/. Published October 29, 2019.
  2. Tiwari VK. Burn wound: How it differs from other wounds? Indian journal of plastic surgery: official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495387/. Published May 2012.
  3. How to treat minor cuts. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/injured-skin/burns/treat-minor-cuts.
  4. Mischkowski D, Crocker J, Way BM. From Painkiller to Empathy Killer: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) reduces empathy for pain. Social cognitive and affective neuroscience. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5015806/. Published September 2016.
  5. Dorai AA. Wound care with traditional, complementary and alternative medicine. Indian journal of plastic surgery: official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495394/. Published May 2012.
  6. (PDF) ghee and honey dressing for infected wounds. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230593150/.
  7. Tashkandi H. Honey in wound healing: An updated review. Open life sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8496555/. Published October 6, 2021.
  8. Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A review of its effects on human health. Foods (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/. Published October 22, 2017.
  9. Barchitta M, Maugeri A, Favara G, et al. Nutrition and wound healing: An overview focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6429075/. Published March 5, 2019.
  10. Abebe W. Review of herbal medications with the potential to cause bleeding: Dental implications, and risk prediction and prevention avenues. The EPMA journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6459456/. Published January 8, 2019.
  11. Arora D, Rani A, Sharma A. A review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacological aspects of genus calendula. Pharmacognosy reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841996/. Published July 2013.
  12. Parente LML, Lino Júnior Rde S, Tresvenzol LMF, Vinaud MC, de Paula JR, Paulo NM. Wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect in animal models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/375671/. Published January 24, 2012.
  13. Ahlawat KS, Khatkar BS. Processing, food applications and safety of Aloe Vera Products: A Review. Journal of food science and technology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117/. Published October 2011.
  14. Evaluation of the nutritional and metabolic effects of … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92765/.
  15. Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Molecular medicine reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/. Published November 1, 2010.
  16. (PDF) essential oils and their use in skin wound healing. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319472229/.
  17. Najafian Y, Hamedi SS, Farshchi MK, Feyzabadi Z. Plantago major in traditional Persian medicine and modern phytotherapy: A narrative review. Electronic physician. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5878035/. Published February 25, 2018.
  18. Thomas J, Carson CF, Peterson GM, et al. Therapeutic potential of Tea Tree Oil for scabies. The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4751955/. Published February 2016.
  19. Shen Y, Jia L-N, Honma N, Hosono T, Ariga T, Seki T. Beneficial effects of cinnamon on the metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and pain, and mechanisms underlying these effects – A Review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3943007/. Published January 2012.
  20. Mori H-M, Kawanami H, Kawahata H, Aoki M. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/. Published May 26, 2016.
  21. Excessive bleeding and bruising – clinical methods – NCBI … https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK253/.
  22. Jung MK, Callaci JJ, Lauing KL, et al. Alcohol exposure and mechanisms of tissue injury and repair. Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3117956/. Published March 2011.
  23. Demmer W, Sorg H, Steiert A, Hauser J, Tilkorn DJ. Wound healing and therapy in soft tissue defects of the hand and foot from a surgical point of view. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8628974/. Published November 13, 2021.
  24. Dumville JC, McFarlane E, Edwards P, Lipp A, Holmes A, Liu Z. Preoperative skin antiseptics for preventing surgical wound infections after clean surgery. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6485388/. Published April 21, 2015.
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