How to Treat Lacerations

Lacerations can be either major or minor cuts. Minor lacerations are not uncommon, whether we give ourselves a paper cut, nick ourselves shaving or cut our finger while we're chopping our food. Deep lacerations are more of a concern, though, as severe bleeding can be a very real problem. It is important to treat all lacerations as soon as they occur, especially the deep ones. Read on to learn how to treat lacerations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Mild soap
• Water
• Liquid bandages (optional)
• Tourniquet (for the most extreme lacerations)
• Gauze bandages

1. Inspect the laceration for any remaining debris from the accident. This could be splinters of wood, shards or glass or fragments of metal depending on the cause of injury. Do not remove any major debris which is embedded in the skin and appears to be holding a wound closed, as doing so can dramatically increase bleeding.
2. Stop the bleeding before you begin any other treatments. Hold pressure on the wound using gauze bandages or clean towels for five to 15 minutes, depending on the severity of the wound. After this time, most wounds will cease to bleed, but if yours doesn't, seek immediate medical attention.
3. Determine the depth of the cut. If a cut is deeper than a quarter of an inch then it requires a stitch, staple or some form of closure that can only be provided by a medical professional.
4. Wash the wound with clean water or saline to help remove any dirt or fragments from it. Use gentle pressure so as to not reopen the wound or cause more bleeding.
5. Apply a bandage to the laceration using a gauze or cloth bandage that completely covers the wound. Avoid using a material which runs the risk of sticking to the wound.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider liquid bandages for minor lacerations as opposed to using band-aids. Liquid bandages work much like super-glue, holding the skin in place and closing the wound so that it can heal with a greatly reduced risk of infection.
• Never treat lacerations without using protective items like rubber gloves. Doing otherwise will dramatically increase the risk of infection in the patient as a result of any bacteria which may be on your hands.
• Many infectious diseases are transmitted through the blood, so always treat those with lacerations with care so as not to contribute to their spread.