Minor cuts and scrapes
A small surface wound may be manageable with basic wound care. Depth, contamination and ongoing bleeding can change that plan.
Common symptoms
- Break in the skin
- Minor bleeding
- Slight pain or tenderness
- Redness around the injury
A useful care conversation
Explain how and when the injury happened and whether anything is embedded in the wound. A clinician can review an optional photo, discuss wound care and check whether stitches, tetanus protection or an examination may be needed.
When to seek more care
- Seek immediate care for bleeding that will not stop or a deep or gaping wound.
- Get an examination for spreading redness, swelling, pus or worsening pain.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.