If a cut is deep enough to show bone, muscle, or fatty tissue, it will need stitches. 1 A large laceration will eventually heal on its own without stitches, but stitching it up helps it heal faster. It also keeps bacteria out and lowers the risk of infection. Getting stitches can also prevent scarring.
What is the first aid for lacerations that do not need stitches?
First-aid for lacerations that do not need stitches include the following: Calm your child and let him or her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands well. Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound.
How do you treat a laceration?
Treatment for a laceration depends on what caused it and how deep it is. Taking care of a cut the right way can prevent infection, scarring, and hospitalization. In some cases, it may save your life. This article will go over how to treat a laceration.
What is the best way to treat scalp lacerations?
The first is called the hair opposition technique, which is great for closing scalp lacerations. Taking the hair on both sides of the wound, they are pulled over the wound for closure and then glue is applied over the hair to keep it in place.
Do I need prophylactic antibiotics for a common laceration?
However, common lacerations in people without major risk factors heal very well and are unlikely to need antibiotics for prophylaxis. I tend to use prophylactic antibiotics on patients who have immune deficiencies including medications that decrease immune system function.
How soon after a cut should it be stitched?
Your risk of infection increases the longer the wound remains open. Most wounds that require closure should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury.
How long can a laceration go without stitches?
A wound that is not stitched may take 1 to 4 weeks to heal, depending on the size of the opening. You will probably have a visible scar. You can discuss revision of the scar with your healthcare provider at a later time.
How do you treat a wound that needs stitches without stitches?
First-aid for cuts that don't need stitches include:Calm your child and let him or her know you can help.Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding.Wash your hands well.Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but don't scrub the wound. ... Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.More items...
What happens if you dont get stitches?
Without stitches, it may take 3 weeks or more for a wound to heal. Prolonged healing time isn't only a nuisance, it's also an infection risk. The risk of a wound infection continues as long as the wound hasn't healed. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have diabetes or you are immunocompromised.
What is considered a minor laceration?
A laceration can be anything from a small, minor scrape to a deep, bleeding cut. In a laceration, none of the skin is missing; it's just separated. While some lacerations can seem minor, they may become serious if not treated properly and promptly.
Why can't you get stitches after 24 hours?
Your body starts the healing process right away, and if you wait too long to get stitches, it will be more difficult to heal. Leaving a wound open too long also increases your risk of infection. As a rule, try to get stitches within 6 to 8 hours of a cut. In some cases, you may be able to wait up to 12 to 24 hours.
Do I need stitches if I can see fat?
You Can See Bone or Fat If you can see bone, fat, or other deep body structures (such as veins) then getting stitches is important. Not only does this suggest that the cut is very deep again, but it can also put you at risk of further complication and damage should anything get inside the wound.
What is the difference between a laceration and a cut?
The words “cut” and “laceration” are often interchangeable. Both words indicate that your skin has been damaged by a sharp object, like a knife or shard of glass. In most cases, the wound will bleed. However, a cut is usually referred to as being a minor wound while a laceration is often more serious.
How to care for a laceration?
Some general guidelines for caring for lacerations with stitches or Steri-Strips include the following: 1 Keep the area clean and dry. 2 Carefully follow the doctor's instructions for care of the wound. 3 Make sure your child avoids any activity that may cause him or her to reinjure or open the wound. 4 Observe the wound for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, or pain. 5 Observe the stitches to make sure they are intact and keeping the wound edges together. 6 Return for follow-up care, as advised by your child's doctor. 7 Once the wound is completely healed, use extra sunscreen on sunny days to help protect the area of new skin. 8 Steri-Strips are generally left in place until they begin to loosen and will eventually fall off after a few days.
How to know if a wound is infected?
Observe the wound for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, or pain. Observe the stitches to make sure they are intact and keeping the wound edges together. Return for follow-up care, as advised by your child's doctor.
How to stop bleeding from a cut?
Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for five to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Do not lift the original cloth.
What is a stitch?
What are stitches? Stitches, also called sutures, are special types of thread that hold wound edges together while they heal. Stitches help to stop bleeding, reduce scarring, and decrease the chance of infection in the wound.
Can you remove stitches from a child?
Do not try to remove your child's stitches yourself. Some general guidelines for caring for lacerations with stitches or Steri-Strips include the following: Keep the area clean and dry. Carefully follow the doctor's instructions for care of the wound.
What is the goal of first aid for a laceration?
The goals of caring for a wound are to stop the bleeding and reduce the chance of scarring and infection in the wound. First-aid for lacerations that do not need stitches include the following: Calm your child and let him or her know you can help.
How to treat a cut in the hand?
First-aid for lacerations that do not need stitches include the following: 1 Calm your child and let him or her know you can help. 2 Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. 3 Wash your hands well. 4 Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over the cut for several minutes. A dirty cut or scrape that is not well cleaned can cause scarring. 5 Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream. 6 Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad if the area is on the hands or feet, or if it is likely to drain onto clothing. Change the dressing often. 7 Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry. 8 Avoid blowing on the laceration, as this can cause germs to grow.
How to stop bleeding from a cut?
Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands well. Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water from the faucet run over the cut for several minutes.
How to get rid of a scar on your foot?
A dirty cut or scrape that is not well cleaned can cause scarring. Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream. Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze pad if the area is on the hands or feet, or if it is likely to drain onto clothing. Change the dressing often. Check the area each day and keep it clean and dry.
How to care for a laceration with stitches?
Some general guidelines for caring for lacerations with stitches or sterile adhesive strips include the following: Keep the area clean and dry. Carefully follow the doctor's instructions for care of the wound. Make sure your child avoids any activity that may cause him or her to reinjure or open the wound.
How to care for a laceration?
Some general guidelines for caring for lacerations with stitches or sterile adhesive strips include the following: 1 Keep the area clean and dry. 2 Carefully follow the doctor's instructions for care of the wound. 3 Make sure your child avoids any activity that may cause him or her to reinjure or open the wound. 4 Watch the wound for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, or pain. 5 Watch the stitches to make sure they are intact and keeping the wound edges together. 6 Return for follow-up care, as advised by your child's doctor. 7 Once the wound is completely healed, use extra sunscreen on sunny days to help protect the area of new skin. 8 Butterfly strips are generally left in place until they start to loosen and will eventually fall off after a few days.
How to know if a wound is infected?
Watch the wound for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, or pain. Watch the stitches to make sure they are intact and keeping the wound edges together. Return for follow-up care, as advised by your child's doctor.
How to treat bleeding in a child?
Cover the area with an adhesive bandage or gauze. Change the bandage twice a day or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Call your child's doctor, or if bleeding is severe, call 911 or take your child to the emergency room for further care, as soon as possible.
How to stop bleeding from a cut?
Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is heavy, hold pressure for 5 to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Don't lift the original cloth.
What is a stitch?
What are stitches? Stitches, also called sutures, are special types of thread that hold wound edges together while they heal. Stitches help speed healing, stop bleeding, reduce scarring, and decrease the chance of infection in the wound.
Do you need stitches removed for tetanus booster?
A tetanus booster may need to be given depending on your child's wound. Some stitches dissolve and don't need to be removed. Others stitches require a healthcare provider to remove. Your child's doctor or the emergency department doctor will let you know when to return to have stitches removed.
What is a laceration?
A laceration is a tear, cut, or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Lacerations may be small, and need only minor treatment at home. Or they may be large enough to need emergency medical care.
What are stitches?
Stitches (sutures) are special types of thread that hold wound edges together while they heal. Stitches help speed healing, stop bleeding, reduce scarring, and decrease the chance of infection in the wound.
What are sterile adhesive strips or "butterfly" strips?
Sterile adhesive strips can sometimes be used on small, shallow wounds instead of stitches. They work the same as stitches.
How do I know if my child's cut needs stitches?
Lacerations may need stitches if they involve the face, are longer than 1/2 inch, are deep, are spread open at rest, or are bleeding heavily.
When should I call my child's doctor?
Your child's healthcare provider will determine the treatment for lacerations that require more than minor treatment at home. In general, call your child's provider for lacerations that are:
Treatment for lacerations with stitches and sterile adhesive strips
If your child's healthcare provider or an emergency room (ER) provider needs to place stitches or use sterile adhesive strips to close a laceration, you will be given specific instructions for how to care for them.
When to call your child's doctor for lacerations?
In general, call your child's physician for lacerations that are: Also call your child's physician if: Your child has not had a tetanus vaccination within the past five years, or if you are unsure when your child's last tetanus shot was given.
What is a laceration in skin?
A laceration is tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Lacerations may be small and need only minor treatment at home, or may be large enough to require emergency medical care.
How to stop bleeding from a cut?
Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse, hold pressure for five to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Do not lift the original cloth.
What is the purpose of stitching?
Stitches help to stop bleeding, reduce scarring and decrease the chance of infection in the wound.
How to care for a wound in a child?
Carefully follow the physician's instructions for care of the wound. Make sure your child avoids any activity that may cause him/her to re-injure or open the wound. Observe the wound for signs of infection such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage, or pain.
Can stitches be removed?
Antibiotics may be given to help prevent infection in the wound. Some stitches dissolve and do not need to be removed while other stitches require removal.
Can you remove stitches from a child?
Your child's physician or the emergency department physician will let you know when to return to have stitches removed. Do not try to remove your child's stitches yourself. Some general guidelines for caring for lacerations with stitches or Steri-Strips include the following: Keep the area clean and dry.
What is a laceration wound?
Center. A laceration is a wound that is usually irregular in shape and has jagged margins, which is produced by tearing of the soft body tissues. A laceration often tends to be contaminated with debris and bacteria by the object that caused the laceration. A cut is a wound that breaks the skin due to the trauma from a sharp object.
What is tongue laceration?
Lacerations are deeper and more irregular in shape that causes more bruising and bleeding. The tongue is a muscular organ in the oral cavity and is essential for several important functions, such as taste, movement of food, swallowing, and speech production. Most tongue lacerations do not require sutures ( stitches ), ...
What is the purpose of a stitch?
Stitches or sutures are used to close skin wounds. After the wound is examined and cleaned, the health care provider assesses the wound to decide how to repair the wound. Dissolvable stitches may be used if deep sutures are necessary. Nylon and polypropylene are the main choices of suture material. The length of time stitches must remain in place depends upon the location of the wound and how much stress is placed on the wound.
How long does it take for a tongue laceration to heal?
Most tongue lacerations do not require sutures ( stitches ), and they usually heal in a few days without much intervention because the tongue has a rich blood supply. Simple lacerations, especially if it is centrally located on the tongue, usually heal well with minimal risk of infection.
What are the following injuries of the tongue that require surgical repair?
Following injuries of the tongue require surgical repair: Bisecting wounds. Persistent bleeding of the wound. Large flaps. Wounds to the tip of the tongue. Wounds with a large gap. Wounds larger than 1-2 cm. U-shaped lacerations. Avulsion or amputation of the tongue.
What happens if you have a tongue injury?
Major injuries of the tongue can cause severe bleeding and swelling, affecting speech, swallowing, and breathing.