Over-the-Counter Ointments

• Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments can be purchased at drug, convenience and discount stores. Sold under brand names such as Neosporin and Ultra Mide, these ointments work by keeping the cut clean and moist. They can also help minimize scarring and can help the cut close.
  
  

Home Remedies

• The best home remedy for taking care of a cut is soap and water. Rinse the cut thoroughly with water. Then wash the area using a soapy towel and water. Rinse again with plain water. Be sure that any dirt is out of the cut. Make a homemade ointment by mixing 1/2 ounce of Betadine, 5 ounces of sugar and 1 1/2 ounces of antibiotic ointment. Cover the cut with the ointment and apply a bandage. Rinse the ointment off with water and clan the cut with hydrogen peroxide four times a day, applying new ointment each time. The sugar in the ointment will ensure that bacteria does not begin to grow, reducing the risk of infection and scarring.
  
  

Bandages

• After applying ointment to a cut, ensure that the wound stays clean by applying a bandage. For most cuts, a regular adhesive bandage will work. If the cut is jagged or the edges of the cut are farther apart, use a butterfly bandage or steri-strip. These types of bandages will pull the edges of the cut closed so that it can heal correctly.
  
  

When to Call a Doctor

• Occasionally, a cut will not heal properly or will be too severe for ointment and a bandage. In these cases, see a doctor. Some signs that you should see a doctor are red streaks extending from the cut, pus oozing out of the cut, a fever of 100 degrees or more or edges that won't close. Seek medical help immediately if you feel excessive pain around the area or the cut won't stop bleeding after 20 minutes.