How to Treat Lacerations

Lacerations, which can vary from superficial to deeper cuts that penetrate the second layer of the skin, can happen to anyone at any time. Kaitlyn Brown, RN, Emergency Services Nursing Supervisor, Sierra Medical Center, An Extension of Northern Nevada Medical Center, explains the importance of treating various lacerations and when one might require additional medical attention.

What are basic first aid methods to dress a laceration?

The basic includes washing it with lukewarm water and applying a clean bandage. If the laceration is actively bleeding, apply pressure with a clean bandage and rewrap the wound once the bleeding has stopped. If you are treating another person’s cut, first make sure your hands are clean and dry. As an extra precaution, if you have gloves, you may opt to wear them after washing your hands.

How do you know when a laceration becomes infected?

Keep an eye on the cut for the first few days after the injury to make sure it is not infected. Signs of an infection include redness, swelling and increased pain at the wound site. If you develop a fever, seek prompt medical attention.

If your wound does not become infected but does not appear to be healing properly or is taking a long time to heal, check in with your doctor. This could be related to the severity or depth of the laceration, or the slow healing may indicate additional care is needed.

What types of lacerations are treated in an emergency department versus an urgent care?

Emergency departments can treat many types of lacerations, from minor to severe. This can include cuts that expose muscle, cuts near the eyes, or lacerations that are bleeding profusely. If your wound is deep, continues to bleed, or if there is major trauma to the area, seek emergency care immediately.

While urgent cares are also able to treat lacerations, the clinic is designed to treat cuts on a smaller, more minor scale. If your cut is presenting symptoms that are not manageable at home with a first aid kit, but not requiring a trip to the ER, the urgent care is a great resource to receive timely care for your injury.

If you are experiencing any medical emergency, call 911 or visit the ER closest to you.