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Cuts and scrapes: the right first aid

With low platelets a small cut can bleed for a long time, and with low neutrophils it can become infected. Calm, correct first aid and watching the wound matter.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Hands holding an open home first-aid kit
Figure 1.A home first-aid kit

01Short answer

Wash your hands. Press directly on the wound with clean gauze without letting go, and raise it above the level of the heart. Once the bleeding stops, rinse the wound under clean running water, pat it dry and apply a sterile dressing. Keep the dressing clean and dry and change it as your team advises. Check it daily: tell your team about redness, swelling, warmth, pus, increasing pain or a temperature. Bleeding that will not stop with pressure needs an immediate call or emergency help. Wear gloves in the garden and take care with kitchen tools.

02Simple explanation

Press and raise.

Rinse with water.

Sterile dressing.

Signs of infection: tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: with thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, avoiding cuts, stopping bleeding with pressure and watching for infection are recommended.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Pressure

Direct pressure helps a clot form.

Infection

In neutropenia the signs can be faint; a fever is the main signal.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PressureDirect pressure helps a clot form.
InfectionIn neutropenia the signs can be faint; a fever is the main signal.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Sterile
Free of germs.
Haemostasis
The stopping of bleeding.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Press.
  • Rinse.
  • Watch.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I use alcohol or iodine?

Follow your team's advice; clean water is often enough.

There is redness under the dressing.

Show your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I use alcohol or iodine?

  2. There is redness under the dressing.

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Cuts and grazes
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Financial Toxicity and Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  7. American Cancer Society. Working During Cancer Treatment
  8. American Cancer Society. Work Accommodations When You or a Family Member Has Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. Financial and Insurance Matters
  10. Macmillan Cancer Support. Money and work
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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