Minor Injuries: Cuts, Burns, and Bites

Minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, burns, and animal bites are part of everyday life, especially for active children and adults. While they may not always seem serious, even small wounds need proper care to prevent infection and ensure they heal well. At our urgent care centre, we offer expert assessment and treatment to help patients recover quickly and safely.

Cuts and Grazes

Cuts (lacerations) and grazes (abrasions) are some of the most common minor injuries. They occur when the skin is broken by a sharp object or scraped against a rough surface. These injuries often bleed but usually stop with gentle pressure. Cleaning the wound thoroughly is the first and most important step. Dirt and bacteria can easily enter broken skin, leading to infection if not removed properly.

Our team carefully cleans all wounds using antiseptic solutions, then applies appropriate dressings to promote healing and protect against further injury. In some cases, we may recommend stitches, steri-strips, or glue to close deeper cuts. We also check your tetanus vaccination status and offer boosters when needed.

Burns

Burns can happen at home, work, or during everyday activities. Common causes include hot liquids (scalds), contact with hot surfaces, or even sunburn. Burns are categorised by severity: superficial (first-degree), partial-thickness (second-degree), or full-thickness (third-degree). The depth and size of the burn determine the appropriate treatment.

At our centre, we assess each burn to determine its severity. We provide cooling treatments to reduce skin damage, ideally within the first hour of injury, and apply specialised burn dressings to relieve pain and support healing. Pain relief medication may also be offered. Burns to the face, hands, joints, or genitals, or burns covering a large area, require prompt medical evaluation. In these cases, we arrange referral to specialist care if needed.

Animal and Human Bites

Bite wounds, from pets, wild animals, or even humans – can pose serious health risks due to the bacteria in saliva. These wounds often appear small but can become infected quickly, especially when deep puncture wounds are involved. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and pus at the site.

We clean all bite wounds thoroughly and may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution to prevent infection. If the skin is broken, we also review tetanus protection and administer a booster if required. For high-risk bites, such as those from wild animals or unvaccinated pets, we may discuss the need for rabies prevention or refer you for further care.

Follow-Up and Specialist Referral

Not all wounds heal at the same rate. Some may require follow-up appointments to monitor healing or replace dressings. If a wound shows signs of delayed healing, infection, or other complications, we ensure you’re referred quickly to the appropriate specialist services, such as a plastic surgeon or burn unit.

Prompt, professional care for minor wounds can prevent complications and speed up recovery. If you’ve had an injury and are unsure whether it needs attention, it’s always best to have it checked.