When you or someone in your family suffers a bad cut or open wound, there is usually blood involved and that can be scary - especially if it's one of your children. Do you know how to stop the bleeding? Are stitches needed? What about a tetanus shot? These are just some of the questions answered this week by Centra Care physicians who saw an increase of patients with lacerations.
- Conway - up 400% in kids
- Altamonte, Orange Lake & Waterford Lakes - up 300% in kids
- Conway - up 275% in adults
- Longwood, Winter Garden Village & Winter Park - up 200% in kids
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How do you know if the injury warrants stitches? Here are some things to look for:
- Deep, gaping or jagged cuts
- Cuts longer than 1 inch
- Cuts that continue to bleed
- Cuts over a joint
- Debris in wound
A doctor can determine if stitches are necessary. Have a medical professional evaluate a cut as soon as possible, since a cut should be closed with stitches within 8-12 hours. You should also seek medical attention if the cut has any debris imbedded in it, such as glass, gravel or dirt.
Tetanus is a serious illness caused by tetanus bacteria that often enters through open wounds. So make sure your tetanus booster shot is up-to-date. The first round of tetanus shots are given in a series throughout infancy, followed by a booster between the ages of 4 - 6, and again at around age 11 or 12. Tetanus boosters are commended every 10 years thereafter, so if it has been more than 10 years and you have an open wound, Centra Care will give a Tetanus booster.
Infection is a primary concern following a laceration. A superficial wound can heal with home treatment. But to avoid infection, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly by pouring clear water over it. Apply an antibacterial ointment and keep the area covered with a bandage; repeat these steps at least once a day. To stop any bleeding, apply constant pressure with a gauze pad or clean cloth.
The following are some things you should NOT do:
- Do NOT assume that a minor wound is clean because you can't see dirt or debris inside.
- Do NOT breathe on an open wound.
- Do NOT try to clean a major wound, especially after the bleeding is under control.
- Do NOT remove a long or deeply embedded object. Seek medical attention.
- Do NOT probe or pick debris from a wound. Seek medical attention.
- Do NOT push exposed body parts back in. Cover them with clean material until medical help arrives.
Source: National Institutes for Health
Every Centra Care location provides stitches for adult and pediatric patients. If you or someone in your family suffers a wound that needs medical attention, Centra Care has 21 locations, serving you 7 days a week. Walk-ins are always welcome, or to schedule an Online No Wait Reservation, visit CentraCare.org.
Sincerely,
Florida Hospital Centra Care
407-200-CARE (2273)
To learn more about "What's Going Around" in our community you can listen to the Centra Care Senior Medical Director each Tuesday morning between 8am and 8:30am on 88.3FM radio - Z88.3