(Wound Care first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in May 2015.)
Cuts and scrapes are a common occurrence this time of year. Matthew Pilkerton, Physician Assistant at Keystone Urgent Care, shares what you need to know about how to properly care for cuts and wounds and when to seek medical attention. 
Common Cuts
The most common cuts and wounds are to the face, arms or legs. Usually these kinds of cuts aren’t serious and will heal quickly. Puncture wounds, especially to the foot, are common in the summer when people walk around outside without shoes. Animal bites are a common problem that should always be quickly addressed by a medical professional. There is a higher risk of infection with animal bites and a rabies vaccination may be necessary.
Stop the bleeding
If you suffer a cut or injury, the first step is to control the bleeding. Applying direct pressure to the wound is the best way to control bleeding and if the cut is on the hand, elevating it will help. After the bleeding slows, clean the wound with soap and water and hydrogen peroxide, if available. If the cut or scrape is minor, cover with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment. Keep it bandaged during the day and uncovered at night allowing the wound to be exposed to air.
Watch for Infection
Minor cuts should heal within 7 to 10 days. Be sure to watch for any signs of infection: redness, swelling, drainage from wound, fever, streaking red lines from wound, pain, or warmth. These symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional. Seek medical care for any wound if you are diabetic or suffer from any immune deficiencies. If you suffer a bite wound, deep wound, or highly contaminated wound; seek medical attention immediately.
Don’t delay care
The most common wound care mistake is delayed care. Depending on the location, lacerations can only be closed after a certain amount of time. If you wait too long, there is a higher chance of infection, delayed healing, and scar formation. Another common mistake—initially it’s ok to clean wounds with hydrogen peroxide but repeated cleaning will delay wound healing. If you are taking blood thinners, uncontrolled bleeding can occur. Seek immediate medical attention.
Other considerations
If you suffer from diabetes, peripheral artery disease, malnutrition, renal failure, or have a weak immune system, seek immediate medical attention for treatment and evaluation of your injury. Certain medications like steroids or chemotherapy related drugs may suppress your immune system making it harder for your body to fight infection. Be sure to know when you received your last tetanus shot – you may need a booster or updated shot depending on your injury.
For more information about Keystone Urgent Care, click here.
