Laceration Repair

Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Excessive bleeding that persists despite pressure for over five minutes.
• Bright red blood spurting from the wound.
• Cuts with a depth between 1/4 to 1/8 inch deep.
• Laceration caused by stabbing.
• Uneven or jagged edges on the wound.
• Wounds that reveal underlying structures like bones, ligaments, or tendons.
• Presence of foreign objects in the wound.
• Scalp lacerations in individuals taking anticoagulant medication.
• Lacerations in individuals without recent tetanus vaccination.
• Loss of sensation or numbness below the wound, such as numbness in fingers from elbow lacerations.

Aftercare Instructions

• Keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours after treatment.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and change the dressing or Band-Aid for the next 48 hours.
• After two days, the sutures can be uncovered.
• If the environment is dirty, keep the stitches covered until 48 hours have passed.
• Once 48 hours have elapsed, clean the area with mild soap and water to prevent suture knots from crusting.
• Follow the physician's advice on when it's safe to shower; avoid swimming and bathing until the skin heals.
• After showering, remember to change the dressing.
• Do not leave a wet Band-Aid or dressing on the stitches to prevent bacterial infection.
• Adhere to the aftercare guide provided by the healthcare provider.
• Seek medical attention if you notice signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound.

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