Everyone has had a cut at some point in their life. They can vary in severity, whether it be a papercut or a deep cut from a cooking accident. Though you may have been taught that all a cut needs to heal is a band-aid and some neosporin, that is not always the case. In many situations, getting your cut treated by a doctor is the best option to ensure that it heals quickly and correctly.
What Are Some Different Types Of Cuts?
There are many different kinds of cuts. An abrasion is one of the most common types of cuts. An abrasion, also commonly known as a scrape, is caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface, painfully removing the top layer of skin. They are most likely to be found on your elbow, knee, or shin. They typically do not bleed very much, if at all. Another common type of cut is a laceration. Lacerations are slices through the skin. They are generally caused by the slicing of a sharp object, such as a knife, through the skin. Their severity can vary greatly, but bleeding almost always occurs with this type of cut.
When Should I Seek Medical Treatment?
It is important to seek the proper medical care when you are hurt. There are some tell-tale signs that will indicate whether or not your cut is serious enough to go see a doctor. One glaring example of your cut needing professional care is if it does not stop bleeding after ten minutes of applying pressure. If the wound is so deep that the edges of the skin cannot close together, you might need stitches. You may also need stitches if the cut has ragged edges. You should always go see a doctor if your skin has been broken by an animal bite, you may need a particular treatment or shot. Cuts on your face or genitals may not heal on their own, so you must go see a medical provider in order to get the proper care. If there is debris in your cut, such as dirt or a piece of glass, do not try to get it out yourself. Only a medical professional will be able to remove the debris and clean the wound correctly. If at first you do not see a doctor to care for your cut, there is a possibility that it will get infected.
Some symptoms of infection are:
- warm skin around the wound
- yellow or green discharge coming out of the wound
- an unpleasant odor coming from the wound
- red streaks around the cut
- fever or chills
- nausea or vomiting
Even if you are unsure that your cut actually needs to be seen by a medical professional, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
How Can I Treat A Cut At Home?
If none of the situations above apply to your injury, you should be able to treat it at home. First, wash your hands before you do anything to the cut. If it is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth. If your cut is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. Then, wash the cut out with water and around it with soap and water. Once you have completely dried the cut and the area surrounding it, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. After that, apply a bandage or gauze on top of it. Be sure to change the bandage at least once a day. It may need to be changed more than once daily if it gets dirty or wet. Repeat these steps daily and prevent infection by keeping a close eye on the cut to make sure its condition does not worsen. Stay aware of the symptoms of infection and go see a doctor immediately if you start experiencing any of them. Again, it is always good to be precautious and seek help or advice from a medical professional.
How Can Healthcare Express Help With Your Cut?
If you are seeking high-quality medical care, come visit us at Healthcare Express. Our staff of expert medical professionals is always eager to help treat any cut or scrape you may have. No matter what the severity of your injury is, we can assure you that you will always be in capable hands when you are with us. We are dedicated to providing the best care for you.
Give us a call today or come visit us at one of our many locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.