Most cuts, bites, scrapes, and puncture wounds are minor, and home treatment is all that is needed to prevent infection and promote healing.

It may be difficult to remove dirt or other debris from a cut or to clean large or deep wounds. Gentle scrubbing under running water may be needed to clean the wound. If cleaning a wound causes too much pain, then you may not be able to adequately clean it at home. For more information, see how to clean a wound.

You may need to see your doctor about an injury if you have a wound that cannot be adequately cleaned with home treatment and you:

• Have health risks that increase your risk of infection.
• Need to have a health professional close your wound.
• Need a tetanus shot.
• Have other injuries.

When a cut is not adequately cleaned, infection, slow healing, and increased scarring are more likely to occur.