When the skin splits or undergoes a separation process, a laceration injury forms, a minor but painful wound. It is one of the most common injuries for a variety of causes and often affects the elderly or infants. Even people forced into a condition of immobility, suffering from chronic diseases or who take steroids for a prolonged period can see the manifestation of these injuries. To prevent infections and treat the laceration, you must first clean and bandage the affected area. Severe injuries require medical attention.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Clean the Wound
Step 1. To begin, wash the wound and surrounding area with warm water
Proceed gently using your hands. Do not rub or scratch your skin, otherwise you risk doing more damage.
- Avoid washing her with a sponge, which can irritate her even more. Hands and warm water are enough.
- Before applying a new bandage or dressing, be sure to clean the affected area to get rid of any bacteria that are inside the wound.
Step 2. Apply a wound-specific saline cleansing solution
Contains water and antibacterial ingredients that help cleanse the affected area.
Do not rub or scratch the skin when applying the solution
Step 3. Let the wound air dry
It takes 10 to 20 minutes. You can also pat it dry with a soft towel, but be careful not to rub or scratch the skin.
Part 2 of 4: Cover the Affected Area
Step 1. If the flap of skin is still attached to the wound, use a moistened cotton swab to replace it
You can also do this by using tweezers or a glove. This little foresight allows for adequate healing.
Step 2. Use gauze soaked in petroleum jelly
It is a great solution for laceration injuries, as it protects and keeps them lubricated, promoting proper healing. Vaseline-soaked gauze pads are available in the form of strips. Cut them with a pair of scissors to fit the affected area, then apply them to the wound, leaving a border of about three centimeters around the wound.
The gauze soaked in Vaseline are available at the pharmacy
Step 3. Wrap the affected area with a Kerlix bandage, featuring thick gauze
Helps protect the injury and keep it lubricated. Secure it with masking tape. Make sure you apply it only on the gauze, rather than on the skin.
This type of bandage should be changed every one or two hours to prevent the wound from drying out
Step 4. Replace bandages regularly
Change them once or twice a day. For ease of removal, soak them in saline, especially if they are sticky. Lift and detach them from the dangling flap of skin. Before putting on another bandage, wash the wound with water.
You should also check that the lesion does not have any symptoms associated with an infection, such as swelling, odor, pus, or heat emanating from the affected area. If you are concerned that the wound is infected or does not seem to improve, see a doctor
Part 3 of 4: Seeing a Doctor to Treat a Laceration Injury
Step 1. In case of an open wound, it is good to go to a doctor, who will apply some fibrin glue to induce coagulation of the wound
This treatment promotes proper healing and prevents possible infections.
If the wound is particularly sore, the doctor may have the affected area fall asleep before applying the glue
Step 2. To bring the skin flaps closer together, your doctor may also suggest sutures, which are recommended in the case of a deep wound that is likely to become infected
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Step 3. If necessary, ask your doctor to prescribe painkillers
Laceration injuries can be painful, especially if they are in a sensitive area. Ask your doctor for painkillers to help relieve pain while healing.
Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter medications, which you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy
Part 4 of 4: Preventing Laceration Injuries
Step 1. Moisturize your skin using a lotion or cream, especially on the arms and legs
A dry skin is much more prone to cracking than a moisturized skin.
Water also helps moisturize the skin, so be sure to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day
Step 2. Eat healthy
Nutrition also affects skin health. The most suitable foods to have it beautiful and healthy? Nuts, tomatoes, spinach and fatty fish.
Step 3. Adequately illuminate the environment in which you live or work
Laceration injuries often form by hitting surrounding objects. Make sure the room is well lit to avoid accidents.
