When a child falls off their bike or you slice your finger on a kitchen knife, the instinct to reach for the first aid kit is strong. But the advice you remember from your own childhood may not match what we now know about wound healing. As a first aid trainer, I hear the same myths repeated time and again. Let’s separate fact from fiction so you can care for cuts, grazes, and minor wounds with confidence.

Misconception: You need a strong antiseptic to clean a wound

Many people believe that hydrogen peroxide, surgical spirit, or iodine should be poured onto every cut. In reality, these harsh substances can damage healthy tissue, slow healing, and cause irritation or allergic reactions. The NHS now recommends cleaning minor wounds with cool, running tap water or sterile saline. If you’re away from a tap, use a sterile saline sachet from your first aid kit.

For grazes and small cuts, plain soap and water around the wound is fine, but avoid getting soap inside the wound itself. Antiseptic creams are not routinely needed for clean, minor wounds. A pharmacist can advise if you have a specific concern, but don’t reach for the antiseptic by default.

Misconception: Wounds heal best when left to dry out and scab

“Let it breathe” is one of the most persistent myths. In fact, wounds heal faster and with less scarring when kept in a moist environment. A dry scab can crack, trap bacteria, and slow the journey of new skin cells across the wound bed. Instead, cover the wound with a sterile, non-adherent dressing. Change it when it becomes wet or soiled.

• For a minor graze, a plaster or film dressing is often enough.
• For a slightly larger cut, use a sterile gauze pad secured with medical tape.
• Never pick at a scab – let it fall off naturally.

Misconception: Cotton wool is fine for cleaning and covering cuts

Cotton wool may feel soft, but its fibres shed easily and can become embedded in the wound. This acts as a foreign body, increasing the risk of infection and delaying healing. Use sterile gauze swabs or a clean, lint-free cloth for cleaning around a wound. For covering, choose sterile dressings, plasters, or non-adherent pads – never cotton wool.

If you only have cotton wool to hand, use it for cleaning the skin around the wound, not the wound itself. Better still, keep a supply of sterile gauze in your first aid kit.

Misconception: Any plaster will do for any wound

Plasters are brilliant for small, clean, dry wounds. They are not suitable for deep cuts, puncture wounds, burns, or wounds with embedded debris. For bleeding, apply direct pressure with a sterile dressing and elevate the limb if possible. If bleeding does not stop after ten minutes of continuous pressure, seek urgent medical help.

• Change plasters daily, or sooner if they get wet or dirty.
• If a plaster gets wet, it loses adhesion and bacteria can enter – replace it.
• For joints or areas that move a lot, use a flexible fabric plaster or a larger dressing secured with tape.

Monitoring for infection: what to look for and when to act

Even with the best care, a wound can become infected. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, throbbing pain, pus, or red streaks spreading from the wound. A fever, swollen lymph nodes, or feeling generally unwell are also warning signs.

If you notice any of these, contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. For severe symptoms such as rapidly spreading redness, high fever, or difficulty breathing, call 999. Also check your tetanus status: if the wound is dirty or deep, and you haven’t had a booster in ten years – or you’re unsure – speak to your GP.

Building a sensible first aid kit for UK homes

A well-stocked kit makes all the difference. Keep it in a cool, dry place and check expiry dates every few months. Essentials include:

• Sterile gauze swabs and non-adherent dressings in various sizes
• Assorted plasters, including waterproof and flexible types
• Medical tape and a roll of bandage
• Sterile saline sachets or pods for wound cleaning
• Disposable gloves, tweezers, and small scissors
• A digital thermometer and an instant cold pack

Remember, for non-emergencies NHS 111 can guide you, and for severe bleeding, burns larger than the palm of your hand, or head injuries with loss of consciousness, call 999 immediately. Being prepared means acting calmly and correctly – not relying on outdated folklore.