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Most cuts affect only the skin and the fatty tissue beneath it. Usually, they heal without permanent damage.
Stitching a laceration (when necessary) is used to pull the edges together to hasten healing and minimize scaring.
Note: if sutures are need, it must take place within eight hours of the injury.
- Cleanse the wound - Soap and water will do, but be
vigorous. Make sure that no dirt, glass or other foreign material
remains in the wound.
- Stop the bleeding - if needed, apply pressure to cut
with clean gauze, etc.
- Antiseptics - antiseptics such as mercurochrome or
merthiolate are unlikely to help; however hydrogen peroxide may
be used as a cleansing agent.
- Bandage - the edges of a clean, minor cut can usually
be held together by "butterly" bandaids or "steri-strips"
(preferred) - strips of sterile paper tape. Apply either of these
bandages so that the edges of the wound joing without "rolling
under" and without trapping bits of the fatty layer between
the edges. For abrasions, a "stick-free" bandage or
pad may be more comfortable against the wound. Note that bandages
for abrasions should be discontinued as soon as possible to allow
air and sun to the wound.
- The edges of the wound cannot be easily brought together. OR
- There is a possibility of damage to major blood vessels or nerves.
OR
- There is fever, pus or extensive redness
and swelling. OR
- The cut is deep or located on the face, chest, abdomen or back
(especially if you see fat protruding from the wound). OR
- You have not had a tetnus shot within the past ten years
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