My daughter often returns home after basketball matches with badly bruised and scraped knees and elbows. She is up-to-date with her tetanus shots. I usually wash the wound with plain water and dab a liquid antiseptic. The wound is then left open to heal. Am I doing this right or is any other medication needed?
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It's best to wash the wound
It's best to wash the wound under running cold water without soap and then use tweezers(cleaned with rubbing alcohol) to remove any debris from the wound. If it's bleeding apply pressure with a cloth or gauze. Apply antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin etc to promote healing and prevent infection. A bandage will do the same. After a scab has formed, leave it open to dry and fall off.
You should wash your hands
You should wash your hands before starting the treatment. Many scrapes hurt less if they are covered. You can use non–sticky dressing (ones used in burns) to cover the scrapes. After the crust forms and hardens leave it open to the air and keep it dry. For bruises use ice or cold packs at regular intervals. Do not apply heat at least for 24 hours. After a day or so, gentle heat or massage may help the swelling go away.