Comments on: How do you treat a laceration? http://firstaidlist.com/lacerations/how-do-you-treat-a-laceration Sat, 04 Jun 2011 10:12:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: MoonGoddess http://firstaidlist.com/lacerations/how-do-you-treat-a-laceration/comment-page-1#comment-983 MoonGoddess Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:44:59 +0000 http://firstaidlist.com/lacerations/how-do-you-treat-a-laceration#comment-983 Go to the ER, you don't want to try to treat this at home. There are risks of infection, excessive bleeding, and it could also scar. In the meantime, keep pressure on it and use a clean cloth, bandage. When he gets to the ER, they will clean it, and stitch it up. He may also possible need a tetanus shot. So this is nothing to play with. Even if he/she doesn't have insurance.<br><b>References : </b><br> Go to the ER, you don't want to try to treat this at home. There are risks of infection, excessive bleeding, and it could also scar. In the meantime, keep pressure on it and use a clean cloth, bandage. When he gets to the ER, they will clean it, and stitch it up. He may also possible need a tetanus shot. So this is nothing to play with. Even if he/she doesn't have insurance.
References :

]]> By: Alex http://firstaidlist.com/lacerations/how-do-you-treat-a-laceration/comment-page-1#comment-982 Alex Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:31:59 +0000 http://firstaidlist.com/lacerations/how-do-you-treat-a-laceration#comment-982 Deep lacerations usually need to be stitched. Did it happen within the last 24 hours? Is there swelling? If you answered yes to both, he should go to a minor emergency clinic (see 'clinic' in your yellow pages) for stitches. If he doesn't get stitches, and it is swelling, he could have a very ugly scar. Otherwise, clean it with mild soap and water (don't use hydrogen peroxide!), antibiotic ointment, and a butterfly bandage to hold it shut. Good luck!<br><b>References : </b><br> Deep lacerations usually need to be stitched.

Did it happen within the last 24 hours?
Is there swelling?
If you answered yes to both, he should go to a minor emergency clinic (see 'clinic' in your yellow pages) for stitches.

If he doesn't get stitches, and it is swelling, he could have a very ugly scar.

Otherwise, clean it with mild soap and water (don't use hydrogen peroxide!), antibiotic ointment, and a butterfly bandage to hold it shut.

Good luck!
References :

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