<b>Minor cuts and bruises</b><br> ffFirst aid, tetanus prophylaxis, dressing and pain management ffAntibiotics are not usually required but if the wound is grossly contaminated, give –– Cloxacillin or amoxicillin 500 mg every 6 hours as empiric treatment Child: 125-250 mg every 6 hours}<b>Deep and/or extensive</b><br>ffIdentify the cause of the wound or injury if possible ffWash affected part and wound with plenty of water or saline solution –– (you can also clean with chlorhexidine 0.05% or hydrogen peroxide 6% diluted with equal amount of saline to 3% if wound is contaminated) ffExplore the wound under local anesthesia to ascertain the extent of the damage and remove foreign bodies ffSurgical toilet: carry out debridement to freshen the wound ffTetanus prophylaxis, pain management, immobilization}<b>If wound is clean and fresh (<8 hours)</b><br>ffCarry out primary closure by suturing under local anaesthetic –– Use lignocaine hydrochloride 2% (dilute to 1% with equal volume of water for injection)}<b>If wound is >8 hours old or dirty</b><br>ffClean thoroughly and dress daily ffCheck the state of the wound for 2-3 days ffCarry out delayed primary closure if clean –– Use this for wounds up to 2-4 days old}<b>If wound >4 days old or deep pucture wound, contaminated wounds, bite/gunshot wounds, abscess cavity</b><br>ffLet it heal by secondary closure (granulation tissue) ffDress daily if contaminated/dirty, every other day if clean ffPack cavities (e.g. abscesses) with saline-soaked gauzes In case of extensive/deep wound ffConsider closure with skin graft/flap