Cuts and scrapes are a normal part of life, whether it’s a kitchen accident, a fall, or a nick from shaving. Most minor wounds heal well with basic first aid, but sometimes, a cut needs more than a bandage. Knowing when to seek medical care for a minor laceration (and when to stick with basic first aid at home) can help prevent infection, scarring, or other complications.
Dr. Rogers Walker, Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, and our team at Walker Family Care in Little River, South Carolina, are here to help you know the difference between a simple scrape and a cut that needs a doctor’s attention.
You can usually care for a minor cut yourself if:
For these types of cuts, wash your hands before touching the wound. Carefully clean the area with mild soap and water. Pat it dry with a clean gauze and then apply antibiotic ointment. Cover it with a clean bandage and change the dressing every day.
Most small cuts will heal within a week or two with proper care.
Seek medical care right away if:
You might also need medical care if you previously treated a cut at home, but now it’s showing signs of infection. You might suspect that your wound is infected if you spot redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a foul odor.
Even a small cut can become a big deal if you have health conditions that affect healing.
For example, if you have diabetes, even minor cuts can increase your risk of infection or slow-healing ulcers. As your primary care provider and diabetes specialist, Dr. Walker can thoroughly clean and treat your wound. This gives you the best chance to heal safely and avoid diabetes-related complications.
Getting quick, professional care does more than just close a wound, although that’s part of it! Medical care for a cut helps you heal faster and with less risk of infection. Prompt treatment can prevent infection (with wound debridement), minimize scarring (with stitches), and ensure your skin heals properly.
At Walker Urgent & Family Care, Dr. Walker and Shelley Gilbert, PA-C, take the time to carefully clean and assess your injury. Depending on the cut, we may close it with stitches, medical adhesive, or sterile strips and prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
And if you’re due for a tetanus booster, we’ll make sure you’re protected before you head home.
If you’re unsure whether your cut needs medical care, it’s always better to play it safe.
Walker Urgent & Family Care provides same-day treatment for cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries so you can heal faster and avoid complications.
Walk in today or call 843-280-8333 for care you can count on. For less urgent matters, you can schedule your checkup online.
