Technique 3: Cutting

Intermediate procedure

Advantages:
Cutting is the practice of using a scalpel or other fine bleade to make a shallow cut in the top layer of the skin. It is very precise and as far as medical scenes go has a lot to offer in terms of asthetics.

Disadvantages:
Scalpels are manufactured to cut deep and, until you are familiar with the feel of using one, it's extremely easy to cut much deeper than intended. Like all other sharp device, they carry risks of accidental injury and therefore carry the risk of transmitting infections. You should always approach cutting with the idea in your head that any cuts made WILL scar.

Equipment

• Scalpel: these can have a fixed or a removable blade which come in various shapes and sizes (see picture 1.)
• Antiseptic or alcohol wipe
• Gauze or sterile pad
• Bandages or bandaids (plasters)
• Non-sterile gloves
• Sharps container

The Procedure (for cutting with a scalpel):

• Wash hands (or use alcogel)
• Prepare your equipment on a suitably clean area (clean it with alcohol or disinfectant wipes if necessary)
• Expose and prepare the area you wish to cut by:
  • Cleaning the skin thoroughly with alcohol wipes or antiseptic solution
  • Make sure you clean an area at least 10cms larger than the size of the cut you want to make
  • Dispose of device directly into a sharps container
  • Allowing time for the alcohol to fully evapourate
• Apply the first stroke with the scalpel as lightly as you can
• Always hold the scalpel blade at right angles to the skin
• If you are making more than one cut, change your blade regularly
• If you are moving to a completely different area, change your blade
• Never go from mucous membranes (mouth, genitalia) to skin cutting with the same blade
• Make further cuts where necessary to cause bleeding, but avoid cutting deeper than the epidermis layer (see picture 2)
• Once completed, stop bleeding by applying pressure with a gauze pad
• clean the wound with alcohol free antiseptic wipes (alcohol is an anticoagulant and will encourage more bleeding.)
• Apply a clean dressing (band aid or bandages) if necessary
• Make sure the wound is kept clean and dry for 48 hours following cutting and watch for any signs of infection

Some notes on scarring
Any cuts with a blade will invariably scar. Depending on how deep the cuts are and how the donor heals will determine how easily visible those scars will remain once they are fully healed.
Generally speaking if you are cutting purely to aquire blood, try to stick with short, straight lines and avoid any kind of designs, words or irregular patterns
There is a risk of skin tattooing occuring if dark clothing is worn over an unprotected cut. Protect it with a dressing for the first 48 hours, after which there shouldn't be a problem
Cuttings can tan differently from the surrounding skin for several reasons, even if they are fully healed and don't look visible. Again, be careful what you cut into someone's skin.

lili (July 2008)

Picture 2