Non-Emergency Laceration Treatment in Laredo, TX
A laceration is a break in the protective barrier of the skin, such as a puncture, cut, scrape or scratch. These injuries can vary in severity, but first aid treatment is important for any type of laceration to help prevent complications such as infection and excessive scarring.
Deep puncture injuries and wounds that are bleeding uncontrollably warrant immediate laceration treatment at the nearest hospital emergency room. For less severe wounds, VitalMed Urgent Care offers non-emergency laceration treatment in Laredo, Texas.
Home Care for Minor Cuts
A superficial wound may be treated at home. Basic laceration treatment involves:
- Gently washing the affected skin with soap and warm water
- Patting the skin dry with a clean, soft cloth
- Applying direct pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding
- Dabbing on a thin layer of antibiotic cream or petroleum jelly to keep the laceration moist
- Covering the wound with a protective bandage to help prevent infection
It’s important to monitor a laceration and seek medical attention if necessary. For instance, if the wound doesn’t seem to be healing or if signs of infection develop, such as skin redness, warmth, pain, swelling or drainage, a medical professional at VitalMed can provide fast and effective treatment.
Professional Care for a Non-Emergency Laceration
After cleansing and assessing the wound, a VitalMed provider will determine the best way to stop any bleeding and promote proper healing. Suturing is the most common method of wound closure for minor lacerations. After numbing the surrounding skin and tissues, the provider will carefully thread one or more stitches from one side of the laceration to the other to keep it closed as it heals. For a straight, sharp-edged laceration on the scalp or trunk or an arm or leg, stapling may be used as an alternative to suturing.
Another option is a tissue adhesive, which may be used in place of sutures/staples to fuse the edges of the wound together. Depending on the nature of the wound and the patient’s vaccination status, we may recommend a tetanus booster as well.
The experienced and compassionate team at VitalMed Urgent Care is available every day to provide professional laceration treatment. You are welcome to visit our after-hours clinic any time you need prompt medical attention for a non-life-threatening health issue.
