Hailey Tran
Cuts and scrapes are common injuries that can usually be treated at home with a first-aid kit. However, it's important to know when a cut is severe enough to warrant medical attention. The severity of a cut can be difficult to assess, especially if it's on a child, so it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you're unsure. Some signs that you may need to go to the hospital for a cut include: the cut is deeper than a quarter of an inch; the cut was caused by a dirty or rusty object; fat, muscle, bone, or other deep body structures are visible; the cut is over a joint; the cut is deep and on your hand or finger; the cut is on your face or another cosmetically sensitive area; the cut is still bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure; or there are signs of infection such as warmth, redness, swelling, or pus discharge. If you notice any of these signs, don't hesitate to seek emergency medical care to ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | If the cut is still bleeding after 10-15 minutes of applying pressure, go to the hospital |
| Wound depth | Deeper than a quarter of an inch may require stitches |
| Wound location | Near the face or genitalia, go to the hospital |
| Infection risk | Signs of infection include warmth, redness, and swelling. If you think your wound is infected, go to the hospital |
| Wound edges | If the edges are smooth and stay together during normal body movement, treatment is probably not needed |
| Cosmetic concerns | If you have cosmetic concerns about scarring, go to the hospital |
| Muscle, tendon, or soft tissue damage | Depending on the location of the cut, there may be a risk of muscle, tendon, or soft tissue damage |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals are for deep cuts
Hospitals are equipped with the right tools and professionals to treat deep cuts. Deep cuts can be tricky to treat at home and may require stitches, which only a doctor can administer.
Deep cuts that expose the dermis or fatty tissue, or that are caused by dirty or rusty objects, are considered medical emergencies. These types of wounds carry a high risk of infection and should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
If you are unsure about the severity of your injury, it is always best to seek medical attention. Hospitals have the necessary resources to treat deep cuts effectively and reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
When dealing with a deep cut, it is important to act quickly. Apply direct pressure to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding, and if possible, raise the injured area above the heart. Clean the wound with mild soap and water, being careful not to scrub or irritate it. Cover the wound with a clean bandage, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
While it can be challenging to determine whether a cut requires medical attention, hospitals are equipped to handle deep cuts and provide the necessary treatment to promote healing and prevent infection.
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Cuts with dirty or rusty objects
If you get a cut from a dirty or rusty object, it is important to take the necessary precautions to prevent infection and, if needed, seek medical attention. While rust itself does not cause tetanus, it may be an indicator of an environment where Clostridia bacteria are present. This type of bacteria can enter the body through any tear in the skin and cause a serious bacterial disease known as tetanus. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the severity of the cut and take appropriate action.
Firstly, if the cut is deep, fat, muscle, bone, or other deep body structures are visible, or if the cut is on your hand, finger, or over a joint, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at an emergency room or urgent care center. Deep cuts have a higher risk of infection and may require stitches to close the wound. Additionally, if there is a foreign object deeply stuck in the wound, do not remove it and seek medical attention immediately.
If the cut is minor and your tetanus vaccination is up to date, you can treat the wound at home. Before treating the wound, wash your hands with soap and water to prevent infection. Rinse the wound with lukewarm water to remove any visible dirt, dust, or debris. Then, gently wash the wound with mild soap and water, and stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure. If the wound continues to bleed, elevate it further and continue to apply pressure. Once the bleeding has stopped, use tweezers cleaned with isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer of an over-the-counter skin antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin or Polysporin, to keep the wound moist and help prevent infection. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or dressing, and change the bandage at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Keep the wound elevated whenever possible to reduce bleeding and promote healing. Additionally, if you experience pain or swelling, you can take over-the-counter painkillers or apply an ice pack to reduce discomfort.
It is important to closely monitor the wound for any signs of infection. Symptoms of a possible tetanus infection include stiffness or spasms of the jaw (lockjaw), muscle stiffness, rigidity, or spasms. If you experience any of these symptoms or are unsure about the severity of the cut, it is always best to seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
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Cuts that won't stop bleeding
It is important to stay calm and be prepared with a well-equipped first aid kit to treat cuts that won't stop bleeding. Here are some detailed steps to help stop bleeding from a cut and guide you on when to seek medical attention:
Apply Direct Pressure:
Use a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of gauze to apply direct pressure to the cut or wound. If blood soaks through the material, do not remove it. Instead, add more cloth or gauze on top and continue applying pressure. This helps to control bleeding by slowing or stopping the flow of blood from the wound.
Raise the Injured Limb:
If the cut is on your arm or leg, try to raise the limb above the level of your heart. This will help to reduce blood flow to the area and slow down the bleeding.
Clean and Dress the Wound:
Once the bleeding has stopped, gently clean the wound with soap and warm water, rinsing away any soap to prevent irritation. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or iodine, as they can damage the tissue. Dry the area and apply an antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, cover the wound with a sterile bandage and tape it in place.
Change the Bandage Daily:
Keep the wound clean and dry by changing the bandage daily. This will help prevent infection and promote proper healing.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Embedded Objects: If there is an embedded object near the cut or wound, do not remove it, and seek immediate medical attention.
- Internal Bleeding: Call emergency services if you suspect internal bleeding, as it can be life-threatening.
- Symptoms of Shock: Look out for signs of shock, such as cold and clammy skin, a weakened pulse, or loss of consciousness. These symptoms indicate the need for immediate medical intervention.
- Bleeding Duration: If the bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes, seek medical attention to rule out any underlying issues, such as a nicked artery or blood vessel.
- Deep or Jagged Wounds: Cuts with deep or jagged edges may require medical attention to ensure proper cleaning and closure.
- Abdominal and Chest Wounds: Injuries to the abdomen or chest are considered emergencies due to the potential for internal organ damage and internal bleeding.
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Cuts requiring stitches
It can be challenging to determine whether a cut needs medical attention and stitches. While many small cuts can be treated at home, some injuries require stitches to ensure proper healing. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
When Stitches May Be Needed:
- Deep or Large Cuts: If the cut is more than a quarter of an inch deep or three-fourths of an inch long, stitches may be required to hold the edges together and facilitate healing.
- Bleeding Profusely: If the cut is bleeding heavily and doesn't stop after applying pressure for 5–15 minutes, it may need stitches.
- Location: The location of the cut matters. If it's near your face, genitalia, or over a joint, especially if the edges open with movement, stitches may be necessary.
- Embedded Objects: If something is embedded within the cut, or if it was caused by a dirty or rusty object, there's a risk of infection, and stitches may be required.
- Bites: Moderate-to-severe animal or human bites that break the skin should be monitored and treated by a medical professional. Stitches may be needed to close the wound.
- Exposed Deep Structures: If fat, muscle, bone, or other deep body structures are visible through the wound, stitches may be necessary to protect these structures and aid healing.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Even shallow cuts on the face or other cosmetically sensitive areas can benefit from stitches to minimize scarring.
- Infection Risk: If there is a risk of infection due to contamination or a puncture wound, stitches may be required to help prevent infection and promote healing.
When Stitches Are Not Needed:
- Minor Cuts: Small, shallow cuts with smooth edges that stay together can usually be treated at home by cleaning the wound and using a bandage.
- Puncture Wounds: Deep puncture wounds typically do not require stitches as they are more challenging to clean, and closing the wound may increase the risk of sealing in infection-causing bacteria.
- Smooth Edges: If the cut has smooth edges that stay together as you move, stitches are likely unnecessary.
If you are uncertain about the severity of your injury, it is always best to seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can assess whether stitches are required and provide treatment to minimize the risk of infection and other complications.
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Cutting your hair at home
If you have wavy or curly hair, cutting your hair at home can be a bit more forgiving as the shape can be multiple lengths. You can maintain the outer shape by sectioning your layers and making minor cuts to your ends to achieve healthier hair and extend the time between salon visits. For straight hair, it is recommended to leave big hair changes, such as a blunt bob or cutting in new layers, to the professionals. However, you can certainly trim your bangs or snip off split ends at home.
Before you start cutting, make sure to detangle your hair with a brush or wide-tooth comb to remove any knots. Part your hair where it naturally falls or how you usually style it. It can be helpful to stand in front of a large mirror and hold a smaller mirror behind your head so you can see the back and sides of your head clearly as you cut. Depending on the desired length, choose a clipper attachment accordingly. Remember to start with a longer attachment and work your way up if needed, as it is better to err on the side of caution.
When cutting the sides of your head, work from the bottom to the top, gliding the clipper upwards against the direction of hair growth. Keep the clipper flat against your head for an even cut and regularly check the mirror to ensure you are cutting evenly. Once you are done with the sides and back, move on to the top. If you want to maintain the same length all over, use the same clipper attachment as before. If you prefer to keep your hair longer on top, use a higher-numbered attachment or comb your hair upwards and use scissors to trim any excess length.
While cutting your hair at home can be a convenient and cost-effective option, it is important to remember that hospitals are not typically equipped to provide haircutting services. In some cases, nurses may cut a patient's hair if it is extremely matted or dirty and poses a hygiene issue. However, it is generally recommended to seek professional haircutting services outside of the hospital setting.
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Frequently asked questions
The umbilical cord is a flexible tube that connects the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. It supplies oxygen-rich blood to the fetus and carries away waste.
No, you do not need to go to the hospital to cut your baby's umbilical cord. A healthcare provider will cut the umbilical cord after birth, leaving a short piece called an umbilical cord stump, which will fall off naturally within a few weeks.
There is some debate around the optimal time to cut the umbilical cord. Traditionally, doctors would cut the cord within seconds of birth. However, recent research suggests that waiting at least a minute before cutting the cord may benefit the baby, particularly those born preterm.
Delaying cord clamping may result in better blood circulation, increased red blood cell volume, and reduced need for blood transfusions in preterm infants. In full-term infants, delayed cord clamping can prevent anemia and increase iron stores.
Yes, there are some potential risks to consider. Delayed cord clamping may result in a build-up of bilirubin, which can cause newborn jaundice. Additionally, if you plan to bank umbilical cord blood, delaying the cut will result in less blood available for collection.
