Where There Is No Doctor 2011 85
LARGE CUTS: HOW TO CLOSE THEM
A recent cut that is very clean will heal faster if you bring the edges together so
the cut stays closed.
Close a deep cut only if all of the following are true:
• the cut is less than 12 hours old,
• the cut is very clean, and
• it is impossible to get a health worker to close it the same day.
Before closing the cut, wash it very well with cool, boiled water (and soap, if the
wound is dirty). If possible, squirt it out with a syringe and water. Be absolutely sure
that no dirt or soap is left hidden in the cut.
There are two methods to close a cut:
‘BUTTERFLY’ BANDAGES OF ADHESIVE TAPE