What should I do if I get cut?
If you or a family member has sustained a laceration or cut, the first order of business is to stop the bleeding. If the wound is small, blot the area with a clean towel to determine the size of the cut and apply pressure as needed to staunch the flow of blood. Hold off on cleaning the area with antiseptic or antibiotic ointments until the bleeding has stopped.
Once the bleeding has stopped, which means that clotting has kicked in and your body is starting to heal the area, make a closer examination of the wound to decide whether you should seek medical help.
When should I seek medical care?
If the wound is large and the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek emergency care right away. If you or your loved one is tolerating the wound well, and the bleeding has stemmed, there are many factors that come into play if you’re deciding whether to see Dr. Siegler for a laceration, including:
Location of the wound
Is the wound in a location where it may not heal properly thanks to constant movement? Or, is the wound in a prominent place where you’d like to minimize scarring? A yes to either of these questions means you should see Dr. Siegler.
Depth of the wound
Dr. Siegler should look at anything over one-fourth of an inch in depth, especially if muscles, tendons, or bones are exposed.
Length of the wound
If the wound is over three-fourths of an inch in length, a visit to Dr. Siegler is a good idea.
Risk of infection
If the cut was made by a dirty piece of metal or some other object that carries with it the risk for infection, it’s a good idea to make an appointment.
If you have any doubt about the wound, call Texas Family Practice Associates, and a member of the medical team will answer your questions.
How are lacerations treated?
After examining and cleaning your laceration, Dr. Siegler decides on the best course of action. If the laceration requires intervention, he may use stitches or adhesives to treat it. Each of these options is designed to close the wound as neatly as possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the site, and it gives your tissue a head start in the healing process.
If you or a member of your family has been cut, call Texas Family Practice Associates immediately for an appointment.
