Cuts

For small cuts or scratches, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Minor cuts can be covered or left uncovered. However, if the cut is on an area that can be irritated or can become dirty easily, cover it with band-aid or appropriate size gauze pad.

For larger cuts that gape open, clean the cut as instructed above and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. Then call the office. Large cuts usually require stitches. If a wound is open for longer than 12 hours, it cannot be sewn up because of the risk of infection. DO NOT procrastinate.

Take to the Emergency Room if:

1. The wound is deep or longer than one inch.

2. Pain persists over twelve hours.

3. Edges of the cut separate.

4. Bleeding persists after fifteen minutes of pressure.

5. Last Tetanus shot was five years ago or longer.

6. Wound is dirty or infected.

For a child who has stepped on a nail, soak his foot in warm, soapy water for 15 minutes, then call the office. If the wound is deep, it should be seen in the office or the Emergency Room within a few hours.