After a medical accident, it’s easy to panic. Even a small cut or scrape can bring anxiety.

Take a deep breath and access the situation. The treatment will depend on the extent of the injury.

When to See a Doctor

If the cut is bleeding severely, or it’s spurting blood, call 911. Less serious lacerations can still require a doctor.  Wounds that are still bleeding through the bandage after 10 minutes, slices over 3/4-inch long or more than 1/4 inch deep need professional medical attention. These injuries may require stitches. It’s also best to see a physician if an object that’s rusty or dirty made the cut. They may need to give you a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the past 5-years. Wounds that don’t heal after a week should be seen by a physician.

Basic First Aid for Cuts

It’s best to wash your hands with soap and water before treating the wound. Next, stop the bleeding by applying pressure and cover the wound with a cloth. If possible, elevate the injury above your heart. Minor cuts often stop bleeding on their own. Use a mild soap and cool or lukewarm water to clean the cut to prevent an infection before covering it with a bandage. If you have an antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly, place a small amount on the cut before covering it to reduce scarring. Watch for signs of infection which include pus, swelling, redness, and pain, and seek urgent care.

Dupage Immediate Care is open for your urgent care matters including cuts, scrapes, and lacerations that may need stitches. Please call 630-282-6002 if you have any question.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711

https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/minor-cuts