Foot Laceration Treatment - Dos and Don'ts
A foot laceration occurs when the skin of the feet is cut or punctured due to external trauma. A laceration can be a graze that cuts through the skin superficially or it can be a deep wound that involves the tendons, muscles, ligaments or bones.
The
kind of treatment that should be given for a foot laceration depends on the
cause and severity of the wound. There are different kinds of lacerations. They
include:
- Grazes
- Superficial cuts
- Punctures
- Deep cuts
Graze
- Dos and Don’ts
A
graze can occur due to a fall or even from stubbing the feet against something hard. The top layer
of skin could get peeled off, leading to some bleeding. This usually doesn’t
need a medical consult.
- What you should do
is clean it up with an antiseptic wipe and then apply an antiseptic ointment on
it.
- What you shouldn’t do
is expose the grazed area to any kind of infective surface till it dries up.
Superficial
Cuts - Dos and Don’ts
A
superficial cut can happen due to an accident or injury involving something
sharp. It won’t be too deep and will not need stitches. But, if it bleeds a
lot, you may need a medical consult.
- What you should do is apply
pressure on the wound till it stops bleeding.
- What you must not do
is apply any topical ointment without first seeing a doctor.
Puncture
Wounds - Do’s and Don’ts
A
puncture wound is a deep wound that occurs due to something sharp and pointed, like
a nail. The opening will be small and it won’t bleed a lot. It may not need stitches,
but a medical consult is necessary to check how deep the wound is and if any tendons or
muscles have been damaged.
- What you must do
is put pressure on the wound, clean it up and see a doctor immediately.
- What you must not do
is apply a plaster over it and ignore it.
Also
Read: COMMON FOOT PROBLEMS FACED BY
FLAT FOOTED PEOPLE
Deep Cuts
- Do’s and Don’ts
A deep
cut can cause external and internal bleeding. It could occur from injuries
involving an accident, broken glass, an altercation, etc. Deep cuts need a medical
consult. The podiatrist will have to check the wound thoroughly to assess the
damage. If the cut isn’t too deep, stitches may suffice. Deeper cuts may need
small surgical procedures. Very severe cuts may need multiple procedures that
may involve a skin graft surgery.
- What you must do
in case of a severe cut is call a doctor immediately.
- What you must not do
is try to treat it yourself.
In
case of an open foot laceration, it
is always better to have a podiatrist take a look and get a tetanus shot if
necessary.
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