What is Nonsutured Laceration Care

A laceration is a cut that may go through all layers of the skin and extend into the tissue that is right under the skin. This type of cut is usually stitched up (sutured) or closed with tape (adhesive strips) or skin glue shortly after the injury happens.

However, if the wound is dirty or if several hours pass before medical treatment is provided, it is likely that germs (bacteria) will enter the wound. Closing a laceration after bacteria have entered it increases the risk of infection.

In these cases, your health care provider may leave the laceration open (nonsutured) and cover it with a bandage. This type of treatment helps prevent infection and allows the wound to heal from the deepest layer of tissue damage up to the surface.

An open fracture is a type of injury that may involve nonsutured lacerations. An open fracture is a break in a bone that happens along with lacerations through the skin at the fracture site.

What are the risks?

Caring for a nonsutured laceration is safe. However, problems may occur, including a higher risk for:

• Scarring.
• Infection.
• Slow healing.

Supplies needed:

• Soap.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Sterile water or irrigation solution.
• Bandages (dressings).
• Clean towel.
• Antibiotic ointment.

How to care for your nonsutured laceration

Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound.

• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Change any dressings as told by your health care provider. This includes changing the dressing when it starts to smell, or when it gets wet or dirty.
• Clean the wound one time each day, or as often as told by your health care provider. To clean your wound:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Remove any dressing as told by your health care provider.
  • Clean the wound with sterile water or irrigation solution as told by your health care provider.
  • Pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the wound.
  • Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the wound as told by your health care provider. This will prevent infection and keep the dressing from sticking to the wound.
  • Apply a new dressing as told by your health care provider.
• Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Watch for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid, blood, or pus.
  • Bad smell on the wound or dressing.
  • Warmth.
• Do not take baths, swim, or do anything that puts your wound underwater until your health care provider approves.
• Do not scratch or pick at the wound.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take or apply it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.
• Do not inject anything into the wound unless directed by your health care provider.
• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down, if possible.
• If directed, put ice on the affected area:
  • Put ice in a plastic bag.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You received a tetanus shot and you have swelling, severe pain, redness, or bleeding at the injection site.
• You have a fever.
• Your pain is not controlled with medicine.
• You have increased redness, swelling, or pain at the site of your wound.
• You have fluid, blood, or pus coming from your wound.
• You notice a bad smell coming from your wound or your dressing.
• You notice something coming out of the wound, such as wood or glass.
• You notice a change in the color of your skin near your wound.
• You develop a new rash.
• You need to change the dressing frequently due to fluid, blood, or pus draining from the wound.
• You develop numbness around your wound.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain suddenly increases and is severe.
• You develop severe swelling around the wound.
• The wound is on your hand or foot and you cannot properly move a finger or toe.
• The wound is on your hand or foot, and you notice that your fingers or toes look pale or bluish.
• You have a red streak going away from your wound.

Summary

• A laceration is a cut that may go through all layers of the skin and extend into the tissue that is right under the skin. It is usually closed with stitches, tape, or skin glue shortly after the injury happens.
• If a wound is dirty or if several hours pass before medical treatment is provided, the laceration may be kept open (nonsutured) and covered with a bandage.
• This type of treatment helps prevent infection and allows the wound to heal from the deepest layer of tissue damage up to the surface.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound.