Laceration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A laceration
is an injury to the skin and the soft tissue underneath it. Lacerations can happen anywhere on the body.
Common signs and symptoms:
- Injury or wound to skin and tissue of any shape size that looks like a cut, tear, or gash
- Edges of the wound may be close together or wide apart
- Pain, bleeding, bruising, or swelling
- Numbness around the wound
- Decreased movement in an area below the wound
Seek care immediately 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.
Treatment for a laceration
depends on how large and deep your laceration is, and where it is located. It also depends on whether you have damage to deeper tissues. You may need any of the following:
- Pressure may be applied to the wound to stop bleeding.
- Wound cleaning may help remove dirt or debris. This will decrease the risk for infection. Your healthcare provider may need to look inside your wound for foreign objects. Your provider may give you medicine to numb the area and decrease pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax.
- Wound closure with stitches, staples, tissue glue, or medical strips may be needed. These may help the wound heal and prevent infection. Your provider may give you medicine to numb the area and decrease pain. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. Stitches may decrease the amount of scarring you have. Some lacerations may heal better without stitches.
- Medicine to treat pain or prevent infection may be given. You may also be given a tetanus shot. Your provider will decide if you need a tetanus shot. Wounds at high risk for tetanus infection include wounds with dirt or saliva in them. You should get a tetanus shot within 72 hours of getting a laceration or wound. Tell your provider if you have had the tetanus vaccine or a booster within the last 5 years.
- Surgery may be needed if your laceration needs a lot of cleaning or removal of foreign objects.
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 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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