|
|
|
Cuts and Infection
Posted: April 1, 2009
Wounds include cuts, scrapes, scratches and punctured skin. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but even cuts and scrapes require care.
To avoid infection and aid healing:
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding
- Clean the wound with water
- Use an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Bandage the wound if it's in an area that might get dirty
- Watch for swelling and redness
- Get a tetanus booster if you are due for one
Serious and infected wounds require medical attention. You should seek medical care if:
- It's a puncture wound or a deep cut and you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years
- The wound is deep or jagged
- If you cannot close it yourself
- The cut bleeds in spurts, blood soaks through the bandage or the bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of firm, direct pressure
- If you cannot get the dirt out
- You can't move comfortably
- Red streaks form near the wound
- The area around the wound feels numb
- If it does not heal
Your doctor may want to close your wound with stitches or skin adhesive. These things can help reduce the amount of scarring.
Bleeding helps clean out wounds. Most small cuts or scrapes will stop bleeding in a short time. Wounds on the face, head or mouth will sometimes bleed a lot because these areas are rich in blood vessels.
Signs of infection
Watch for signs of infection such as a spreading redness on the skin, any cloudy or thick drainage from the wound or pain at the wound site. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
We Have Answers
Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St.Mary’s can help. Click here.
|
Get the Facts
