Cuts: Care Instructions

Overview

A cut can happen anywhere on your body.

Stitches, staples, skin glue, or strips of wound closure tape are sometimes used to keep the edges of a cut together and help it heal. Tape can be used by itself or with stitches or staples.

Sometimes cuts are left open.

If the cut went deep and through the skin, the doctor may have closed the cut in two layers. A deeper layer of stitches brings the deep part of the cut together. These stitches will dissolve and don't need to be removed. The upper layer closure, which could be stitches, staples, tape, or glue, is what you see on the cut.

A cut is often covered by a bandage. The doctor may have given a tetanus vaccine as part of the treatment.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

If a cut is open or closed

• Keep the cut dry for the first 24 to 48 hours. After this, you can shower if your doctor okays it. Pat the cut dry.
• Don't soak the cut, such as in a bathtub. Your doctor will tell you when it's safe to get the cut wet.
• If your doctor told you how to care for your cut, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
  • You may cover the cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
• Prop up the area on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down during the next 3 days. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
• Avoid any activity that could cause your cut to reopen.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.

If the cut is closed with stitches, staples, or wound closure tape

• Follow the above instructions for open or closed cuts.
• Do not remove the stitches or staples on your own. Your doctor will tell you when to come back to have the stitches or staples removed.
• Leave tape on the cut until it falls off.

If the cut is closed with skin glue

• Follow the above instructions for open or closed cuts.
• Leave the skin glue on your skin until it comes off on its own. This may take 5 to 10 days.
• Do not scratch, rub, or pick at the glue.
• Do not put the sticky part of a bandage directly on the glue.
• Do not put any kind of ointment, cream, or lotion over the area. This can make the glue come off too soon. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse pain.
• The skin near the cut is cold or pale or changes color.
• You have tingling, weakness, or numbness near the cut.
• The cut starts to bleed, and blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
• You have trouble moving the area near the cut.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the cut.
  • Red streaks leading from the cut.
  • Pus draining from the cut.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• The cut reopens.
• You do not get better as expected.