This kind of cut is the most common reason for emergency room visits in the United States.
Several million cases are reported each year.
While a laceration can often be deep, you may be able to treat a deep cut without stitches.
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In some cases, it may preserve your life.
This article will go over how to treat a laceration.
You will also learn when a cut requires medical attention and possibly stitches.
It also keeps bacteria out and lowers therisk of infection.
Getting stitches can alsoprevent scarring.
If you or someone else gets a laceration, here are some general guidelines to follow.
Stay Safe
before you get going helping someone who is injured, keep yourself safe.
For example, some cuts bleed a lot.
Youll need to give a shot to keep the other persons blood from getting on you.
Do your best to prevent infection when youre caring for a person who is sick or hurt.
The steps you might take to stay safe are calleduniversal precautions.
These items are calledpersonal protective equipment.
They help keep you and the person youre taking care of safe.
Control Bleeding
The most important step in caring for a cut ispreventing blood loss.
There are a few ways that you’ve got the option to do this.
First, apply pressure directly to the wound.
Then, lift the injured area up to above the level of the persons heart (if possible).
Keep it there for about 15 minutes.
This should be long enough tostop the bleeding.
If the cut is still bleeding, try putting pressure on the groin or the crook of the elbow.
These pressure points can help stop bleeding.
Tourniquets
Tourniquetsare tight bands that stop blood flow to a part of the body.
A tourniquet can stop bleeding but should only be used if the bleeding is massive and life-threatening.
Even when someone puts a tourniquet on correctly, it can still cause damage.
Preferably, only a person who is trained (like a first responder) should put on a tourniquet.
Know When to Call 911
If you cannot stop the bleeding,call 911.
Losing too much blood is dangerous.
If amajor arteryis cut, a person can lose a life-threatening amount of blood in just 5 minutes.
Clean the Wound
Once the bleeding has stopped,wash the cut and skin around it.
Use warm water and mild soap, and be gentle.
If the cut is deep, it might start to bleed again if youre not careful.
Re-apply pressure if the bleeding starts again.
If you cant get the bleeding to stop, call 911.
An example is a butterfly closure bandage.
You probably have one of them in your first aid kid.
The dressing keeps the wound clean and prevents infection.
It can also help prevent scarring.
Dress the Wound
After the cut has been bandaged, cover it with sterile gauze.
Your first aid kit should have a roll or patches of it.
Check for Infection
As the cut is healing, look for signs of infection.
Check the dressing every day for oozing or lots of bleeding.
Clean the wound every time youchange the dressing.
If the cut starts to swell or pus is coming out, call your doctor.
Control Pain
Lacerations can hurt a lot.
Putting anicepack on it may help.
Keeping the wound elevated will reduce swelling and may relieve discomfort.
Get Shots (if needed)
All non-sterilized objects have bacteria on them.
Some of these bacteria can make you very sick.
You might need atetanus vaccinationor tetanusbooster shot.
Animal bites can also causerabies.
Always get medical attention if you are bitten by an animal.
When to Call a Doctor
A cut that gets infected can become an emergency.
Seek medical care right away if you have:
Summary
Lacerations are cuts.
They usually are sparked by sharp objects.
You might be able to treat a cut at home with basic first aid.
More serious injuries need medical treatment.
You may need a tetanus vaccination or booster shot.
Animal bites always require medical attention.
You should also get medical care if the cut is showing signs of an infection.
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