What Are the Treatments for Facial Wounds?

Doctors should treat serious facial injuries. Under a doctor's care, wounds will be numbed; cleaned; and repaired with stitches, glue or bandages. Tetanus shots are often given to protect against lockjaw.

Significance

Facial wounds can damage the neck, brain or eyes so it's important to have them treated properly. Wounds involving a knife or gun must be reported to the police.

Treatment

Doctors use sutures, glues or bandages to repair cuts in the facial region. Staples may also be required. Scalp wounds may require staples. Dermabond glue closes cuts without stitches.

Scarring

Most cuts leave a scar. To reduce scarring in the facial region, remove stitches when instructed, keep the wound out of the sun, apply sunscreen and vitamin E after healing, and quit smoking if you smoke.

Infection

Facial wounds heal well due to a rich blood supply; only about five percent of cuts will get infected and need a doctor's care. To reduce the chance of infection, clean wounds gently with water or saline, dry and cover with an antibiotic ointment.

Famous Wounds

The Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh's ear was cut off either during a seizure or during an argument with Gauguin, another painter.

References

• Rosen's Emergency Medicine, John Marx, 2006
• Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine, Roberts and Hedges, 2004