Bleeding from an injury can usually be stopped within 10 minutes if direct pressure is applied to the wound. Cleanse the wound well with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile dressing. If the cut is deep or the edges gape open, suturing may be needed for proper healing. Call the office if signs of infection occur. A tetanus booster is given within 72 hours for significant cuts, contaminated abrasions, puncture wounds, bites and burns. A booster dose is needed if a child had not completed a primary immunization series (2,4,6, and 18 month shots) or received a booster dose within the preceding five years. Call our office for any tetanus immunization questions.

Signs of wound infection include yellow fluid drainage, redness of surrounding skin, red streaks radiating from the wound, increasing pain, or significant fever.