Why do deep cuts not bleed

In general, call your child's provider for cuts that are:. Bleeding heavily and don't stop after 5 to 10 minutes of direct pressure. If the bleeding is heavy, hold pressure for 5 to 10 minutes without stopping to look at the cut. If the cloth becomes soaked with blood, put a new cloth on top of the old one. Don't lift off the original cloth.

Showing signs of infection, such as increased warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage. Linked to numbness or inability to move a finger or toe or a joint. These may mean injury to a nerve or tendon, or both. You should also call your child's healthcare provider if your child has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years, if you are unsure when your child's last tetanus shot was given, or if you are concerned about the wound and have questions.

Dip a cotton swab into hydrogen peroxide and lightly roll it over the area of the cut to clean it. Use tweezers that have been cleaned with alcohol to remove debris on the surface of the cut. Seek help from your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. Once the cut has been cleaned, apply an antibiotic cream to it. This can prevent infection and speed the healing process.

Apply a bandage to the cut site. Change the bandage daily and whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Deeper cuts may require medical treatment. Treatment options for deep cuts include stitches, staples, or liquid stitches. First, attempt to stop the bleeding by covering the wound with a clean bandage and applying gentle pressure.

If the wound is bleeding heavily and you cannot stop it, immediately seek emergency medical care. Next, clean the area thoroughly using a small alcohol wipe.

Instead, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Once the skin is clean, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream to prevent infection.

Cover the puncture wound with a bandage. You should change the bandage daily or sooner if it becomes wet or dirty. Check for signs of infection, such as:. Although most minor puncture wounds and cuts heal without treatment beyond first aid and home care, some should receive immediate medical attention. Seek emergency medical care if you notice any of the following:. A bleeding cut on your finger requires immediate attention to help reduce the odds of infection and help it start healing as soon as possible.

Most wounds that require closure should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives also called liquid stitches within 6 to 8 hours after the injury.

Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury. Wash the wound well and stop the bleeding, then pinch the sides of the wound together.

If the edges of the wound come together and it looks better, you may want to consider seeing your doctor for treatment.

If treatment may be needed, do not use an antiseptic until after a doctor has examined the wound. The location and type of wound also affects how soon it should be treated. The types of wounds listed above usually need an evaluation by a doctor but may not always need to be closed by a doctor. Blahd Jr. Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.

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