Lacerations |
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DESCRIPTION
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Laceration is the medical term for a cut. It may be large or small and may bleed a lot or a little. If a laceration bleeds a great deal with no sign of stopping, it needs to be closed with stitches. You may also need stitches to keep the wound from becoming infected and to reduce the scarring that may develop after it has healed. If the wound is too old, stitching it may not be possible. Some lacerations actually heal better without stitches. The healing time for a laceration depends on its location. For instance, a cut on the leg usually heals more slowly than one on the head. Stitches are usually removed within 5 days to 2 weeks. The cut will continue to heal for up to 6 months.
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CAUSES
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Typically, a blow from a sharp object sustained in a fall or an accident.
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SYMPTOMS
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Symptoms include bleeding, pain, numbness, and swelling of the injured skin.
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CARE
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The doctor will clean the laceration and examine it carefully. If it is very painful, you may be given numbing medicine before any procedures are performed. If stitches are necessary, your doctor will tell you how to take care of them. You will need to see your doctor again to have them removed. You may also need a tetanus shot if you have not had one in a long time.
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