From the Guidelines
Superficial facial lacerations should be thoroughly irrigated with running tap water or sterile saline solutions until there is no obvious debris or foreign matter in the wound, and then covered with an occlusive dressing to promote wound healing. This approach is based on the most recent guidelines from the American Heart Association and American Red Cross, which emphasize the importance of thorough irrigation and the use of occlusive dressings for superficial wounds 1. The guidelines also recommend evaluating wounds caused by animal or human bites, or those contaminated with saliva, in a medical facility as soon as possible.
When treating a superficial facial laceration, it is essential to prioritize wound cleanliness and promote a moist environment for healing. Using running tap water or sterile saline solutions for irrigation is recommended, as antiseptic agents like povidone-iodine may not be necessary and could potentially delay healing 1. After irrigation, applying an occlusive dressing can help keep the wound clean and promote healing. However, if signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, foul-smelling drainage, increased pain, or fever, develop, the dressing should be removed, and medical care should be sought 1.
In terms of specific wound care, the use of antibiotic ointments and sterile adhesive bandages may be beneficial for small lacerations. However, the primary focus should be on thorough irrigation and maintaining a clean, moist environment for healing. It is also crucial to seek medical attention if the laceration is deep, has jagged edges, or is located in an area of cosmetic importance, as these factors can impact the risk of infection and scarring. Additionally, if the individual has not had a tetanus shot within 5-10 years, medical evaluation is recommended to determine the need for a booster shot.
The management of superficial facial lacerations should prioritize minimizing the risk of infection and promoting optimal healing outcomes, particularly given the cosmetic importance of facial skin. By following the guidelines outlined in the most recent American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines, individuals can reduce the risk of complications and promote effective wound healing 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions adults and children 2 years of age and older: clean the affected area apply a small amount of this product (an amount equal to the surface area of the tip of a finger) on the area 1 to 3 times daily may be covered with a sterile bandage children under 2 years of age: ask a doctor
The treatment options for a superficial facial laceration may include:
- Cleaning the affected area
- Applying a topical antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, 1 to 3 times daily
- Covering the area with a sterile bandage 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Superficial Facial Lacerations
- The treatment of superficial facial lacerations involves careful wound management and repair techniques to achieve the best cosmetic and functional outcome 3.
- For scalp lacerations, suturing in layers is recommended, while injury to the eyelid requires careful examination of the eye and accurate adaptation of the lid margin 3.
- Nasal septum hematoma must be drained, and the nares and alar margins aligned, and the key to proper repair of lip laceration is alignment of the vermillion border 3.
- Injury to the ear can often be closed in one layer 3.
- The use of tissue-adhesive, absorbable, and nonabsorbable sutures can result in similar cosmetic outcomes, with no important differences detected between these methods at 9- to 12-month follow-up 4.
- A systematic approach to evaluating and treating complex facial lacerations in the emergency department involves knowledge and application of basic wound closure principles, and can be performed by emergency physicians in many cases 5.
- Postoperative use of topical antibiotics may be discontinued, as there are risks of adverse effects and increasing bacterial resistance without a significant reduction in surgical site infections 6.
- Chlorhexidine is the antiseptic of choice in clean or outpatient superficial cutaneous procedures, and decolonization of carriers of Staphylococcus aureus with mupirocin is warranted for all superficial cutaneous procedures 6.