Cuts and Lacerations

Everyone, at some point in their lives, has found themselves with a cut or laceration. Whether it happens slicing vegetables, grazing a sharp corner of a fence while walking by, or (most annoyingly) when your finger slides against the edge of a piece of paper, cuts are a part of everyday life. Most of the time, they are no big deal; you just wash the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage. But some cuts and lacerations require medical care, and that’s where we come in. Visit us at Express Urgent Care when your cut needs more than a bandage.

What is the difference between a cut and a laceration?

A cut refers to a wound with separation of connective tissue, usually caused by a sharp object. A laceration implies a jagged wound usually caused by blunt trauma; however, cuts and lacerations are essentially the same condition.

Symptoms

A cut is one of the easiest medical conditions to diagnose, as it describes an open wound in the skin. These are some of the most common injuries. The most obvious symptoms of a cut or laceration are bleeding, an obvious break or gap in the skin, and pain surrounding the injury.

Who is at risk?

Anyone is at risk for a cut or laceration.

Treatment for Cuts/Lacerations:

• Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding
• Clean the wound with water
• To prevent infection, use an antibiotic ointment
• Bandage the wound to keep it clean and prevent it from re-opening
• Watch for swelling and redness and other signs of infection
• In some cases, you may want to get a tetanus booster

When should I see a doctor?

• You should consult your physician as to whether or not a tetanus booster will be necessary.
• If you cannot stop the bleeding from the wound, seek medical attention.
• If the wound edges are separated and gaping.
• If an object or debris is embedded in the cut.
• If the wound shows signs of infection such as warmth and redness in the area.
• If the wound was caused by a bite from a human or animal.

Treatment for Cuts and Lacerations is available now at Express Urgent Care in the Memphis area.