When To Go To The ER For Scrapes and Cuts
Scrapes and cuts can range from minor to serious conditions, depending on the severity of the wound. Minor scrapes and cuts can often be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, washcloths, and bandages. However, it is important to recognize when you should go to the emergency room for more serious cases. Treatment for scrapes and cuts can have complications.
Check how deep the scrape and cut is.
If a cut or scrape is very deep and you cannot stop the bleeding after applying pressure, go to the emergency room. Additionally, if your wound appears to be the result of an animal or human bite, if it has jagged or torn edges, or if there are any signs of infection such as pus or redness around the wound that does not improve after cleansing it with soap and water, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Does your scrape or cut need stitches?
Due to their size and location, some scrapes and cuts may require stitches. If your wound is located on your face or any other area where having visible scarring would be especially problematic, it will likely require stitches. Depending on how deep the cut is as well as its location on your body; stitches may also be necessary to close up deeper wounds in order to help them heal properly without scarring or other complications. In this case, visiting an emergency room would be necessary in order to receive proper care from a healthcare professional.
How long have you had the scrapes and cuts?
Consider how long ago the scrape or cut occurred to determine whether it requires medical attention. Wounds that have occurred within the past 12 hours may benefit from medical care at an emergency room. This includes receiving antibiotics in order to reduce infection risk and possibly stitches for some larger injuries. On the other hand, minor scrapes that are several days old do not necessarily require medical care. That is unless they have become infected or worse since then.
Ultimately, deciding when you should go to an emergency room for scrapes and cuts depends largely on their severity. Other factors such as time since injury occurrence and location of injury are also factors. Deeper wounds that cannot be treated with simple home remedies such as washing with soap and water typically require medical attention from a healthcare professional. These include instances where profuse bleeding cannot be stopped even after applying pressure for several minutes. Cuts located near areas susceptible to excess scarring such as your face due to their visibility upon healing.
Visit an emergency room if you need to for your scrapes and cuts.
Additionally, considering how long ago a cut occurred may help determine whether you should visit a hospital. Newer injuries typically benefit more from emergency care than older ones due to increased infection risk over time. Even with proper cleaning techniques such as using antibacterial ointment before bandaging them up.
If you ever feel uncertain about whether you need emergency care for scrapes and cuts, consult with a healthcare professional. When dealing with potential infections or other issues related to deep wounds of any kind, be cautious. Come by Access Total Care if you are dealing with scrapes and cuts that might be severe.
