It might be difficult to determine if a cut or scrape requires medical treatment. While many small lacerations heal on their own without the need for medical intervention, certain injuries need the use of stitches or other forms of treatment to guarantee appropriate healing. This article will help you understand how to know when a cut is serious and when to call our home doctor for treating wounds in Costa del Sol.
How do you know when a cut is serious?
From the size of the incision to its placement, there are several indications that you require sutures or at the very least that you should see a doctor about the situation. Take into account the following questions if you aren't sure your wound needs medical attention:
What is the size of it?
The wound will need to be checked by a doctor if:
- Even though it is neither very long nor broad, it seems to be incredibly deep.
- Is more than 13mm in length
- Opens so widely that even with little pressure, the edges cannot be brought together.
- Has rough edges and a tattered appearance
- Is contaminated with material such as dirt, glass, or gravel
What is the extent of the bleeding?
If the wound is like follows, you will almost certainly need stitches:
- It bleeds so much that it soaks through a bandage.
- Even after applying direct pressure for 5 to 10 minutes, the bleeding does not stop.
- Bleeds profusely
What was the cause?
It is possible that you may need a tetanus injection in addition to sutures for certain wounds. Tetanus vaccination is one of the most common immunizations given to youngsters. Every ten years, adults get a booster shot.
- If the wound is caused by an animal or human bite.
- You got cut with something that was dirty or rusted.
- A pointed item that may have penetrated the flesh deeply, particularly if the wound occurred through the bottom of a shoe — for example, walking on a nail.
What is the location of the wound?
Consult your doctor if the wound is located on any of the following areas:
- In the vicinity of a joint, such as your elbow or knee
- Getting close to a bone
- Genitals
- Face
- Mouth
- Hand
- In close proximity to your eye
Is it in the process of being infected?
It may be infected if you or your child have:
- Chills or a fever of 37.7 degrees or higher
- Red streaks at the site of the wound
- The skin becomes more irritated or uncomfortable.
- A sore is one that is heated, swollen, or leaking puss.
- Having the sensation that you're about to vomit
If you have any concerns, it is preferable to consult with our home doctor for treating wounds in Costa del Sol.
When to call our home doctor for treating wounds in Costa del Sol
Certain lacerations and wounds nearly always need a call to our home doctor for treating wounds in Costa del Sol. Our GP recommends to ask for assessment if it is:
- To a depth sufficient to reveal the dermis or yellow subcutaneous fatty tissue.
- Gaps remain open, making it difficult to employ mild pressure to bring the edges together.
- Conveniently located on or across a joint. (You may also have nerves, tendons, or ligaments that are injured.)
- A bite from an animal or a person. (In addition to sutures, you may need a tetanus booster injection or oral antibiotics.)
- The region has been impaled by a foreign item.
- Generated as a result of a high-pressure collision from a projectile such as a bullet.
- Contaminated or caused by a very unclean or rusty item.
- Profusely bleeding (and flow does not appear to slow).
- On a very visible region of the body, such as the face.
- Near or on the genitalia.