Exclamation PointPlease call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.

Cuts or Lacerations Treatment

Call 911 if: 

In general, a cut that needs stitches has to be repaired within 6 hours of the injury. The exception is cuts to the face and scalp, which generally can be repaired up to 24 hours after the injury.

Take the following steps for minor cuts.

1. Stop the Bleeding

 

2. Clean and Protect

 

3. Call a Health Care Provider

Call a health care provider if:

 

4. Follow Up

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Andrew Chang, MD on November 07, 2011