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Cuts and Scrapes

You can get an infection whenever your skin is broken, whether it’s a scraped knee or a gunshot wound. Scrapes or abrasions occur when one or more layers of skin are torn or scraped off. They happen so often they may seem unimportant, but they should be treated to reduce the chance of infection or scarring.


Cuts

Are Stitches Needed?

First Aid for Cuts

Scrapes

First Aid for Scrapes

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What to do About
Cuts and Scrapes
Bleeding that stops within 10 minutes with direct pressure Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice.
Shallow cut or scrape that is minor and not on face Symptoms can usually be treated at home. If symptoms persist, you should call your doctor for advice.
Bleeding that cannot be controlled after applying pressure for 20 minutes Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen. 
Cut caused by an obviously dirty object, such as a rusty nail or shovel point; foreign object embedded in the wound; or debris in the wound Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen. 
Tetanus booster needed Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Deep or irregular cut; cut more than half an inch long; edges of the wound are separated or gaping and cannot easily be held together with a bandage Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Large scrape, scrape that causes severe pain, scrape on face, or puncture wound in hand Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Signs of infection—increased redness or swelling around wound Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
Numbness or weakness Symptoms need to be evaluated by a doctor. When you call to make an appointment, your doctor will help you determine how soon you need to be seen.
SymptomUncontrollable bleeding Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Unable to move fingers or toes normally Symptoms in this category are serious and should usually be seen within 2 hours. Depending on your health insurance, you may choose to call your doctor to determine if you should be seen in the doctor’s office, in an urgent care center, or in an emergency room.
Signs of shock Symptoms in this category are life threatening and require immediate medical treatment.
Puncture wound or cut on head, chest, abdomen, or over a joint Symptoms in this category are life threatening and require immediate medical treatment.

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