Signs that it is a problem needing quick attention can include any or a combination of the following: extreme pain, a lot of bleeding, signs of shock (such as cold, sweaty skin, feeling cold, or paleness of skin and appearance). You know a cut is through the skin if you can see fat (yellow-tan, lumpy tissue), muscle (deep-red, stringy tissue), or bone (tan-white, hard surface). However, any cut that is more than three centimeters long or 1/2 inch deep requires medical attention. If a cut does not go all the way through the skin, it does not need stitches, and can be cared for at home.
The wound will get cleaned again when you see your doctor to make sure it is thoroughly disinfected. If the wound is large and bleeding a lot, try to wrap the area with a towel or bandage, then continue to apply pressure. As you travel, try to position the wound above the level of the heart to reduce severe bleeding. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
The key is to use copious amounts of irrigation. If there is dirt, glass, or another object in the cut that does not wash out easily, or if the wound is from a dirty or rusty object or animal bite, you should call your doctor.
To prevent the clotting blood from coming off when you remove the pressure dressing, you can use a nonstick cloth like Telfa gauze. If the cut continues to bleed after this, call your doctor. [6] X Research source
Check it to see what the problem is. Cut away clothing, if needed, so that you can see the wound. Be careful to avoid getting debris in the wound as you cut away the clothing.
Shock can also be a life-threatening issue. If the patient is in shock, keep him or her warm and relaxed as possible. Symptoms of shock include pale, cold, clammy skin, disorientation, and decreased alertness. Do not try to remove any object, such as a glass splinter, unless you are properly trained to do so; removal could cause a great deal of blood loss if the item is the only thing stoppering the flow.
A compression bandage can be made from clothing, fabric, rags, etc. , if you don’t have any first aid bandages. If you have one available, wrap the compression bandage around the wound. Do not wrap too tightly; ensure that two fingers can slip under the bandage.
Leave underlying bandages on. This will help to leave in place any clots that might form. These prevent more blood from flowing out of the wound.
Be sure to describe the person’s injury when you call emergency services. This will make it easier for paramedics to arrive on the scene prepared to immediately assist.
If you are exposed to the bacteria through a cut from something dirty or rusty, it is important to get a booster shot to prevent future infection. Call your doctor to see if you need one!
Stitches use a sterile surgical needle and thread to join the edges of a cut together. They can be absorbable, and dissolve over time, or non-absorbable, and will need to be removed after the wound heals. Staples used on cuts are special surgical staples that perform the same task at stitches and must be removed like non-absorbable stitches. [17] X Research source
Keep your stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage for several days. The doctor should tell you how long this should be. It is usually one to three days depending on the type of stitches and the size of the wound. Once you can get them wet, gently wash the wound over the stitches or staples with soap and water when you shower. Do not submerge the wound underwater, like in a bath or when swimming. Too much water can slow down healing and result in infection. After washing the area, pat it dry and apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the area with a bandage or gauze unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Call your doctor if you develop signs of infection (e. g. fever, redness, swelling, drainage of pus, or red streaks radiating from the wound).
