A laceration is a wound that occurs when skin, tissue, and/or muscle is torn or cut open. In general, a cut that needs stitches has to be repaired within 6 hours of the injury. The exception is cuts to the face and scalp, which generally can be repaired up to 24 hours after the injury.
Take the following steps for minor cuts.
1. Stop the Bleeding
Apply direct pressure on the area.
2. Clean and Protect
Clean the area with warm water and gentle soap.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce the chance of infection.
Put a sterile bandage on the area.
3. Call a Health Care Provider
Call a health care provider if:
The cut is deep or over a joint
You cannot get the cut or laceration clean
The injury is a deep puncture wound or the person has not had a recent (within the last 5 to 10 years) tetanus shot or booster
The cut is from a human or animal bite
4. Follow Up
For a minor cut or laceration, remove the bandage after a couple of days to promote healing. See a healthcare provider if the cut doesn’t heal or shows signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain.
Take the following steps for minor cuts.
1. Stop the Bleeding
Apply direct pressure on the area.
2. Clean and Protect
Clean the area with warm water and gentle soap.
Apply an antibiotic ointment to reduce the chance of infection.
Put a sterile bandage on the area.
3. Call a Health Care Provider
Call a health care provider if:
The cut is deep or over a joint
You cannot get the cut or laceration clean
The injury is a deep puncture wound or the person has not had a recent (within the last 5 to 10 years) tetanus shot or booster
The cut is from a human or animal bite
4. Follow Up
For a minor cut or laceration, remove the bandage after a couple of days to promote healing. See a healthcare provider if the cut doesn’t heal or shows signs of infection, including redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain.
The best wound care including lacerations and cuts can be found at Fox Medical Centers in Florida where our prerogative is to ensure aid to those in need. We understand that each patient and situation is different. For that reason, we use the latest technology to suit each patient.
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