What should you do for a small cut?

For a small cut, it's important to properly clean and protect the wound to prevent infection and promote healing. The correct approach is to clean the cut thoroughly, which usually involves using mild soap and water to remove any dirt or bacteria. Following the cleaning, applying an antiseptic can help kill any remaining germs on the skin. Finally, covering the cut with a bandage provides a protective barrier against further injury and helps keep the area moist, which can aid healing and prevent scabbing.

The other options suggest practices that could lead to insufficient care for the wound or increase the risk of infection. Washing the wound with hot water may cause more discomfort and does not effectively clean the area as much as soap and lukewarm water would. Leaving it uncovered exposes the cut to bacteria, dirt, and friction that could lead to complications. Applying pressure to stop bleeding is crucial for deeper wounds but is not specifically necessary for a small cut unless it is actively bleeding heavily. Ignoring the cut can result in it becoming infected, leading to complications that could have been easily avoided with proper care.