An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street. Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissues. They include cuts, scrapes, scratches, and punctured skin. They often happen because of an accident, but surgery, sutures, and stitches also cause wounds. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but it is important to clean them. Serious and infected wounds may require first aid followed by a visit to your doctor. You should also seek attention if the wound is deep, you cannot close it yourself, you cannot stop the bleeding or get the dirt out, or it does not heal. AFTER YOU LEAVE: 1. Sutures: Gently clean the wound once or twice a day with cool water. Use soap to clean around the wound, but try not to get any on the wound edges. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your wound unless your caregiver tells you to. 2. Steri strips: Keep the area clean and dry. The strips will usually fall off on their own after several days. 3. Glue: Do not use any ointments or lotions on the area. You may shower, but do not swim or soak in a bathtub. Gently pat-dry the area after you take a shower. Do not pick at or scrub the adhesive area. If the adhesive comes off too soon, call your caregiver. Never use your own adhesive to try and glue the wound back together.
Follow up:
1. Follow up in 2 days for a wound check. 2. Follow up in 5 – 10 days for suture removal if advised.
Seek Care Immediately if: Your wound splits open.
12547 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, MD 21842-9689 Phone: (410) 213-0119 Fax: (410) 213-2875
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