Lacerations​​

A laceration is a deep cut or tearing of the skin which is often irregular and jagged. A laceration wound is often contaminated with bacteria and debris from the object that caused the cut. Lacerations may be deep or shallow, long or short, and wide or narrow.

Minor lacerations, that is, shallow wounds, may not require medical attention. Antibiotic ointment and a bandage may be all that is needed. However, most lacerations do require repair.

When to seek expert advice

If you are experiencing uncontrolled excessive bleeding, seek immediate emergency help. Timely treatment is very important as laceration wounds must be treated within six hours of the injury. The surgery will be performed by a General Surgeon.

Your consulting doctor will also decide whether you need a tetanus booster.