How to Treat Lacerations
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Mild soap
- Water
- Liquid bandages (optional)
- Tourniquet (for the most extreme lacerations)
- Gauze bandages
Instructions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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