Name a basic first aid step for minor cuts?

• A. Clean with water, apply antiseptic, and cover with a dressing.
• B. Apply alcohol to stop bleeding.
• C. Ignore it and continue.
• D. Wrap with duct tape.

Answer: (A)

For minor cuts, the best first aid step is to clean the wound with clean running water, apply a mild antiseptic, and cover it with a dressing. Cleaning removes dirt and reduces bacteria that can cause infection. The antiseptic helps kill remaining germs on the skin, and the dressing protects the wound from dirt and friction while it heals, keeping it at a suitable moisture level.

Alternatives aren’t ideal: applying alcohol can sting and irritate the tissue, potentially slowing healing and not adding real benefit for a small cut. Ignoring the wound leaves bacteria in place and can lead to infection. Duct tape is not sterile and can trap moisture, irritate the skin, or delay proper healing.

If the cut bleeds heavily, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and seek care if it doesn’t stop. Keep the wound clean, change the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty, and watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus).