Fresh wound advice please
 

I have a relatively deep cut on my lower leg. I won't get into the hows or whys but, suffice to say, it's enough to warrant seeking advice.

I washed it and, whilst doing so, blood squirted out in a thin stream "in time" to my pulse. My husband helped me apply pressure and bandage it up. About 15mins later I felt the bandage slip so went to tighten it. The wound was stick to the bandage. There had been no further bleeding but upon taking it off it starting oozing again.

I applied some aqueous cream to the area before putting the bandage back in hopes that it won't stick again once I take it off in the morning.

Was this a rather bad thing to have done? I'll be going to the doctors if it's still oozing/bleeding in the morning but I need some advice on how to prevent it.

I've had previous similar wounds, but only ever on the creases of my elbows before so I'm just curious as to whether I've made it worse and should wash the cream off right away or not? I have no other alternative to apply.

Apologies if this post isn't in keeping to the regular way of asking got advice but I have only just found this forum. I hope to be back here again as part of my complete recovery from my silliness.

I would advise getting this wound looked at by a professional, either your local GP or via a&e, to ensure you have not hit a blood vessel, especially due to the type of "stream" you describe. My advice would be to go regardless of whether it is still bleeding, so that it can be checked and properly re-dressed.

I tend not to think creams should be put on any open wounds, so it may be that cleaning it of is advised, but I am not sure on that one.

Roiben x

If you had cut straight through an artery it would not have stopped spurting without A&E but you have hit something so it definately needs looked at.

I have always been told never to put creams or lotions on or around open wounds and if you are worried about sticking, in my local A&E they use wet gauze on the wound then a dressing but thats in triage and only a temporary measure till I see the doctor.

The aqueous cream will not help with the healing of the wound as that is not the main use for such cream.
With wounds such as this, clean it out by running it under cool water for a few minutes (providing it doesn't bleed alot) The best way to stop the bleeding and to aid in healing is to apply steri stips, this helps close the wound and will help the skin to start to knit together, if you do not have any use plasters, cut them into thin strips and apply half to one side of the wound pull the skin together and then apply to the other side.
After apply gauze and a bandage.
If the wound is still bleeding raising your leg above the level of your heart will slow this down.
As with any self wound care ensure your hands are clean and washed to prevent infection.

But i do urge you strongly to go to your GP asap to get this seen to, there is only so much you can do at home and you may need stitches. Usually if a layer of fat can be seen it is warrent for stitches.

Hope this helps xx