Lacerations
Urgent Care for Lacerations
The words “lacerations” and “cuts” are often used interchangeably, although technically they have slightly different meanings. While both indicate that there has been a wound that breaks the skin, lacerations generally indicate a deeper injury. On the other hand, a cut usually indicates more shallow or superficial wound and will naturally heal without attention from a medical professional.
If you have a cut or laceration that may need medical attention, visit Bayside Urgent Care Center for treatment. Our medical staff is expert at treating these and other non-life-threatening emergencies.
We are located in Clearwater, Florida, and we’re always accepting new patients. No appointments are necessary.
What Are Symptoms or Complications of Lacerations?
The following are some of what you may encounter with a laceration:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Inflammation, redness, and swelling around the wound site
- Fever and chills
- Pain
- Exposure of underlying tissues (fat, tendon, muscle, or bone)
You should seek attention from a medical professional for yourself or a family member if any of the following occur:
- The bleeding will not stop
- Blood is spurting out of the wound
- The cut is on or near the eye
Seek immediate care at the nearest Emergency Room or call 911 if you have any partially severed toes or fingers or if you are experiencing signs of shock, such as:
- Clammy skin
- Weak pulse
- Shallow or rapid breathing
What Can Cause Lacerations?
They can occur when any sharp object penetrates your skin with enough force to create a deep gash. Blunt force could also cause the skin to break open.
Some common causes include:
- Falls
- Sharp-edged objects like knives, scissors, and glass
- Blunt trauma
- Collisions
- Bites
How Do You Treat Lacerations?
When you visit Bayside Urgent Care Center, we will first evaluate the type, cause, and depth of the cut. We will clean the wound and stop the bleeding before closing the laceration. For some wounds, a pressure dressing is adequate to make sure it does not re-open. Some small cuts can be closed with tissue glue (a special adhesive for wound closure). For deeper lacerations, stitches (also known as sutures) may be necessary.
Proper treatment helps prevent infection and ensures the wound heals properly.
What To Bring When You Visit
When talking to the Bayside Urgent Care team, be sure to mention what your cut was caused by, for instance an animal, as that may change your treatment plan.
Additionally, know your family medical history and be prepared to give this information to the doctor and medical staff. To help us treat you more effectively, please be ready to tell us about any medications you take (including vitamins and supplements), past illnesses and surgeries, and your primary care doctor’s phone number and address so we can transfer records, if necessary.
Does Bayside Urgent Care Accept Insurance?
Yes. We accept Medicare and most major insurance carriers. If you do not have insurance or prefer to pay out-of-pocket, our services are reasonably priced and less expensive than an ER visit.
Bayside Urgent Care Center Can Help You When You Need It
Our center is located in Clearwater, Florida, conveniently situated to Largo, Belleair, Dunedin, Indian Rocks Beach, and Tampa. If you are experiencing symptoms detailed above, visit our office or call.
*Urgent care is not a substitute for emergency care. Always head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you are experiencing very serious or life-threatening problems. Read What is Urgent Care for more information.