Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
A laceration is an injury to the skin and the soft tissue underneath it. Lacerations can happen anywhere on the body.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have heavy bleeding or bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of holding firm, direct pressure over the wound.
- Your wound reopens.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness near the wound.
- You have trouble moving the area near the wound.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your laceration is red, warm, or swollen.
- You have red streaks on your skin coming from your wound.
- You have white or yellow drainage from the wound that smells bad.
- You have pain that gets worse, even after treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your wound as directed:
- Do not get your wound wet until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Do not soak your wound in water. Do not swim until your provider says it is okay. Carefully wash the wound with soap and water. Gently pat the area dry or allow it to air dry.
- Change your bandages when they get wet, dirty, or after washing. Apply new, clean bandages as directed. Do not apply elastic bandages or tape too tight. Do not put powders or lotions over your wound.
- Apply antibiotic ointment as directed. Your healthcare provider may give you antibiotic ointment to put over your wound if you have stitches. If you have strips of tape over your wound, let them dry up and fall off on their own. You may gently remove strips of tape if they do not fall off within 14 days. If you have glue over your wound, do not remove or pick at it. If your glue comes off, do not replace it with glue that you have at home.
- Check your wound every day for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.
Self-care:
- Apply ice on your wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it to your skin. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop the injured area on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Use a splint as directed. A splint will decrease movement and stress on your wound. It may help it heal faster. A splint may be used for lacerations over joints or areas of your body that bend. Ask your healthcare provider how to apply and remove a splint.
- Decrease scarring of your wound by applying ointments as directed. Ask your provider when it is okay to apply ointments. You may need to wait until your wound is healed. Ask which ointment to buy and how often to use it. After your wound is healed, use sunscreen over the area when you are out in the sun. You should do this for at least 6 months to 1 year after your injury.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to follow up in 24 to 48 hours to have your wound checked for infection. You will need to return in 3 to 14 days if you have stitches or staples so they can be removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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