Treating lacerations
Follow this guide from Hansaplast to treating minor lacerations and be prepared to take the appropriate actions after sustaining more serious wounds.
Spray for antiseptic wound cleansing
What is a laceration?
What is a laceration?
Lacerations are tears in the skin that can bleed heavily. Often, lacerations occur in skin areas close to the bone such as forehead, skullcap, shins, elbow joints or kneecaps. They can be caused by anything from falls against rough surfaces to blows from blunt instruments. Deep lacerations can penetrate deeper tissue. In many cases, they require medical attention.
What is the difference between an abrasion and a laceration?
Lacerations differ from abrasions in that they tend to involve more severe and deeper damage to the skin. Abrasions are most often superficial surface wounds and do not typically bleed a lot, whereas lacerations, particularly deep lacerations, are more likely to do so.
Treatment of lacerations
Lacerations are often severe and generally require medical attention because wide and uneven breaks in the skin lead to heavy bleeding and may require stitches.
Only small, minor lacerations can be treated at home. For these wounds, follow this easy 3 step routine to treat them quickly and easily.
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Clean
A clean and cleansed wound is the first step to an optimal healing. After stopping the bleeding, cleanse the laceration from dirt, bacteria and visible particles with the Hansaplast Wound Spray to prevent infections. -
Protect
The second step is to protect your laceration from dirt and bacteria to enable an undisturbed healing. Gently dry the surrounding skin and cover the wound with a plaster, sterile wound dressing or compress from Hansaplast. -
Heal
In a third step, you can help your laceration to heal safely, fast and with a lower risk of scarring. Apply the Hansaplast Wound Healing Ointment regularly until the wound has healed completely.
When do lacerations need stitches?
For some injuries, especially wide or deep lacerations, stitches or other professional wound closure may be required. It is advisable to visit a healthcare professional if the wound bleeds for longer than seems reasonable, has particularly jagged edges, or if the skin laceration is located over a joint or somewhere such as the lips or an eyelid.
Head lacerations
Generally, it is recommended to consult a doctor in the case of a head injury, especially for children, to ensure the best medical treatment and cosmetic results. Always take extra care during potentially dangerous activities and use protective gear such as helmets for those that pose a risk of head injury.
For further information, please contact us via email at Hansaplast@Beiersdorf.com