
Experiencing a cut or scrape at times is quite common. While minor lacerations can heal on their own within some days, a deep cut may require medical assistance, as it may house bacteria or debris, which can lead to excessive bleeding or infections.
At Metro Urgent Care, we treat all types of laceration, including minor, major, facial, or those that need stitches, with our swift medical assistance and care. Contact us to get quick treatment for laceration in Chicago, IL.
Immediate Treatment for Lacerations
If you get a scrape or cut, stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound and keep the wounded area elevated above the heart for 15 minutes. Once the bleeding stops, apply an antiseptic ointment and wrap your wound with sterile gauze to reduce the risk of infection. Take over-the-counter pain medications if needed.
If the bleeding does not stop even after applying pressure, visit us immediately, as your wound may require stitches or further treatment.
Suturing
It is the most preferred technique to close multiple-layer, deep lacerations. We may use absorbable, non-absorbable, or blue-colored sutures, depending on your wound type. For example, deep cuts must be closed with absorbable sutures, and minor wounds can be closed with non-absorbable stitches.
Also, we follow different suturing techniques for different wounds, which include:
- Horizontal Mattress Technique - Gaping/high-tension/fragile-skin wounds
- Vertical Mattress Technique - Everting wound edges on the posterior neck or concave skin surfaces
- Half-Buried Mattress (Corner) Technique - A triangular wound edge
- Running (Baseball) Technique - Long, low-tension wounds
- Subcuticular Running Technique - Small, low-tension wounds
Read more: Laceration Treatment in Chicago, IL