While wounds like a scraped knee or a paper cut likely aren’t medical emergencies, more serious wounds need prompt medical treatment and can even be life-threatening. Even seemingly minor injuries may become more severe if they become infected, which can lead to septic shock or even death. If you aren’t sure whether your wound requires emergency treatment, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Seek care immediately for severe injuries to properly disinfect, clean, and perhaps suture the laceration or wound.
Any wound may become serious, but you should see a doctor if any of the following has happened:
Wound treatment varies depending on the nature and cause of your wound. Techniques like skin “superglue” or sutures may help close open wounds, but puncture wounds may require treatment like tetanus shots, especially if the injury is prone to infection or a dirty object caused the wound. For patients prone to infection, or if their wound is already infected, antibiotics may be required. Once you leave our center, you may be given additional bandages, dressings, or antibacterial gels or creams to keep your wound protected to aid healing.