Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations are two of the most common reasons that people seek urgent care. If you or a loved one experiences a cut or laceration, and it won’t stop bleeding, it’s crucial to get help. At Mercy Medical Urgent Care, urgent care specialist Bilal Khodr, MD, provides complete care for cuts and lacerations. To make an appointment, call the office in Lake City, Florida, or book online today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What are cuts and lacerations?

Cuts and lacerations are open wounds that cause breaks in your skin. Everyone experiences these injuries during their lives. Most are minor and respond to at-home first-aid, but if your cut is deep or bleeds for longer than 20 minutes, it’s crucial to visit Mercy Medical Urgent Care.

Are there different types of open wounds?

The urgent care specialists at Mercy Medical Urgent Care treat various types of open wounds, including:

Abrasions

An abrasion occurs when your skin rubs or scrapes against a hard surface, like concrete or asphalt. Abrasions don’t bleed much, but they tend to collect dirt and debris, so it’s important to clean them with soap and warm water.

Lacerations

A laceration is a deep gash in your skin. Often, they’re caused by contact with sharp objects, like knives, saws, or other hand tools.

Punctures

A puncture wound occurs when a sharp object –– like a nail or a needle –– pierces your skin.  Puncture wounds don’t always bleed, but they can increase the risk of infection. As a result, your mercy Medical Urgent Care provider might recommend a tetanus shot.

When do cuts and lacerations require urgent care?

Visit Mercy Medical Urgent Care if your cut or laceration is:

• Deeper than ½ inch
• Bleeding and it doesn’t stop with direct pressure
• Bleeding for longer than 20 minutes
• The result of a serious accident

If you experience any of these symptoms, walk into the practice during normal business hours or call to speak with a member of the administrative team.

How are cuts and lacerations diagnosed?

To diagnose a cut or laceration, your Mercy Medical Urgent Care provider examines the wound. If they suspect that it’s infected, they might also take a biopsy specimen and send it to a lab for testing. Your provider might also take X-rays to determine if there’s damage beneath the skin.

How are cuts and lacerations treated?

Treatment of cuts and lacerations depends on various factors, including the size of the wound, the severity of your symptoms, and your health history. Your Mercy Medical Urgent Care provider might recommend:

• Stitches or sutures
• Tetanus shot
• Debridement to remove dead or infected tissue
• Packing your wound with gauze
• Prescription antibiotics
• Prescription pain medication

The goal of treatment is to encourage your body’s healing process and reduce the risk of infection.

To receive treatment for cuts and lacerations, make an appointment at Mercy Medical Urgent Care by calling the office, booking online, or walking in during regular business hours.