A laceration is a cut that goes all the way through the skin. The cut can be small and cared for at home, or the cut can be large and need medical attention right away.
If the cut is large enough, it may need stitches or staples to close the wound and stop the bleeding.
It is important to take care of the injury site after the stiches or staples are applied. This will help prevent infection and allow the wound to heal properly.
Stitches are special threads that are sewed through the skin at the injury site to bring the wound together.
Staples are special medical tools to keep deep lacerations closed. The staples are made of special metal and are NOT the same as office staples.
Call your health care provider right away if:
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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