As discussed in the
Emergency Department prior to discharge, you have been diagnosed with a
laceration to the [location].
Here
are some tips for managing a cut that has been fixed with glue:
-Do
not pick at the glue (this can cause the glue to fall off)
-Do
not apply Polysporin (or any other ointment, such as Vaseline) on the glue
-Try
not to get the glue wet. After 24-48
hours, it is okay if light spray touches the glue when you shower, but do not
immerse the area in water.
-You
can put a bandage over the glue. This
may be helpful in children, to prevent them from picking at it.
If
you have had a cut that has been fixed with Steri-strips, the same rules above
apply. However, steri-strips must be
kept completely dry. If the strips
become wet accidentally, immediately dab them gently with a towel.
For
both glue and steri strips, monitor the wound every day for any signs of
infection.
Possible
signs of infection include:
-Spreading redness
-A streak of red going up your arm
or leg from the wound
-Pus coming out of the wound.
To
speed up the healing of the cut keep the area elevated as much as possible, so
that gravity can drain the swelling away from the cut. For example, if the cut is on your forearm,
keep your arm raised as much as you can (like you are the queen and about to
wave at your subjects). If the burn is
on your leg, prop your leg up on a chair whenever you are sitting down.
Return
to the Emergency Department for fever (≥38.0 °C or 100.4 °F), signs of
infection like redness around the wound that is spreading or pus.
If you can see your primary care provider within a few days, you can see them instead of coming to the Emergency Department.
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