Are you wondering what to do after a laceration occurs?

While many minor cuts heal independently, waiting around for this to happen is a surefire way to cause an infection. After all, an open wound is a place teeming with bacteria, so letting it get infected will only make things worse in the long run.

If you want to learn how to treat a laceration correctly, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to discover the must-dos.

What Is Laceration?

A laceration is a wound caused by the tearing of the skin. The depth of a laceration can vary from a shallow cut to a deep gash.

Lacerations can be caused by various things, such as sharp objects, a jagged edge, or even teeth. They can be pretty minor wounds, but they can also be quite severe, depending on the location and severity of the damage.

Apply Pressure

If you have a laceration, applying pressure to the wound is essential to help stop the bleeding. You can use a clean cloth to apply pressure. Apply pressure as first aid for bleeding to the damage for at least 10 minutes.

If the bleeding does not stop, you may call a doctor to ask for help on how to stop bleeding or go to the emergency room.

Clean the Wound With Soap and Water

It is important to clean the wound as soon as possible to prevent infection. Do not use alcohol or any other cleaning agent, as this can irritate the injury and delay healing.

The best way to clean a laceration is with soap and water. Gently clean around the wound, but do not scrub.

Apply an Antibiotic Ointment

Another important thing you should do when treating a laceration is to apply an antibiotic ointment. After cleaning the wound, apply an antibiotic ointment to the injury. Gently rub the ointment into the wound.

An antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection and speed up the healing process.

Place a Bandage Over the Wound

Once the wound is clean, you will need to apply a bandage. You can use a butterfly bandage, strips of gauze, or an adhesive bandage to hold the wound together.

The type of bandage you use will depend on the size and depth of the wound. For more minor injuries, you can use a Band-Aid. For deeper wounds, you may need to use gauze and medical tape.

Place a bandage over the wound. Change the bandage daily or when it gets wet.

When To Call a Doctor

If you have a laceration, you should call a doctor if the wound is more than a quarter of an inch deep, if it is on your face, if it is gushing blood, or if it won’t stop bleeding after you’ve applied pressure for 10 minutes.

You should also call a doctor if the laceration is on your hand, foot, or another part of your body that could affect your mobility.

A Guide on How To Treat a Laceration

Overall, if you have a laceration, it is essential to clean it, apply pressure if needed, and then bandage it. You may need to see a doctor depending on the depth and severity of the laceration.

It is vital to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. If you have any questions or concerns about how to treat a laceration, please consult your doctor.

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