A 37-year-old member asked:
How to treat a wound?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Burnsanswered
Emergency Medicine 38 years experience
That is a: rather broad question and begs many answers depending on specifics. Generally, one treats a wound to maximize the individual's inherent healing rates while minimizing re-injury or ongoing injury. More specifics in the question will get more specific answers.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Wound Care: Stop bleeding by applying pressure. Rinse wound w clean water. Clean surrounding skin w soap & water on wash cloth. Remove debris w tweezers. If material remains in wound – seek medical care. Apply antibiotic ointment. Initially cover w bandage until some healing has occurred. Change bandage when soiled/ wet or at least daily. Need tetanus shot if you haven't had one in last 10 years, don't know
3.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Provided original answer
when you last had one or if the wound is dirty & it has been more than 5 years since last shot. May need stitches if wound depth > 1/4”, wound edges are gaping or if fat / muscle is visibly extending from wound. See: http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cuts/basics/art-20056711
Jul 26, 2014

Dr. Robert Dorseyanswered
37 years experience
Multifactorial: Stop the bleeding. wash with soap and water. apply antibiotic ointment. cover with a dry dressing. change daily. check your tetanus status. see a doctor if things worsen.
sounds like it may have needed sutures from the start.
793 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
ZA
A 31-year-old female asked:
How to treat a wound that has worms in ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
Missing info: You get the most from this information site when you provide detailed info about the issue. Things like patient age, possible causes,location & duration of wound, previous attempts to treat, etc. all matter. It is likely this must be seen by a doc to assess & treat but you are welcome to start over & clarify the issue. Posts are not linked so each must have all info.
115 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.