Everyday, we are exposed to things that can cause us harm. It’s just a matter of time before we, or someone we know, sustains a laceration of some kind. When that time comes, knowing what to do can make a significant difference in the patient’s tolerance and perception of the injury. Having some basic skills can also greatly benefit the final outcome of the injury. Here are some important tips for the initial treatment and handling of minor lacerations.

Whether cut by an object, or simply falling on the ground, the first order of business is to control bleeding. A little bleeding isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can help to push out dirt and bacteria. If the bleeding is pulse-like or streaming, in other words spurting out of the wound, then the wound is deep and immediate control of the loss of blood is important. A little bleeding isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it pushes out bacteria and foreign bodies that can cause an infection.

If you can, try to get out the bulk of the dirt and other foreign substances. Then apply direct pressure. You can use a clean cloth with an elastic wrap, or just have the patient hold a bunch of gauze firmly on the wound. This is the main treatment for the control of bleeding in any situation, and just about anywhere on the body.

Important! Don’t pull the dressing back to see if the bleeding has stopped, as this will only pull off the newly formed clot and make bleeding continue. If the dressing get saturated with blood, just put another right on top of the whole thing, and keep holding pressure! If bleeding is not controlled after 15 minutes, head to the ER.

When bleeding has stopped, you can look at the wound and decide whether you need to go to the ER. Stitches, if you need it, have to be done within 6-8 hours. How can you tell whether it needs stitches? In short, if the wound wants to stay open, or pop open with simple movement, it needs stitches!