Minor Laceration Care (No Sutures or Glue Required)
For minor lacerations that don't require closure, keep the wound clean and moist, apply topical antibiotic ointment, cover with a bandage, and monitor for signs of infection.
Immediate Wound Care
Cleaning the Wound
- Clean thoroughly with tap water or sterile saline under pressure to remove debris and bacteria—irrigation is the most critical step in preventing infection 1
- Tap water is equally effective as sterile saline and does not increase infection risk 2
- Remove any visible dirt or foreign material during cleaning 1
Initial Wound Management
- Apply a thin layer of topical antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin) 1 to 3 times daily to prevent infection 3
- Cover with a sterile bandage or dressing to prevent contamination 3
- Wounds heal faster in a moist environment, so occlusive or semiocclusive dressings are preferred over leaving wounds open to air 2
Ongoing Care at Home
Daily Wound Care
- The wound can get wet within 24-48 hours without increasing infection risk—normal showering is acceptable 1
- Change the bandage daily or when it becomes wet or dirty 3
- Continue applying antibiotic ointment with each dressing change 3
- Keep the wound covered until it has formed a protective layer (typically 3-5 days) 2
Pain Management
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed 4
- Ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling in the first 24-48 hours 4
Tetanus Protection
- Tetanus toxoid should be administered if you haven't had a booster in the past 10 years 1
- This is critical and should be done as soon as possible after the injury 1
Warning Signs: When to Seek Medical Attention
Signs of Infection (Return Immediately If You Notice):
- Increasing redness spreading beyond the wound edges 1
- Increasing pain after the first 2-3 days 1
- Pus or cloudy drainage from the wound 1
- Red streaks extending from the wound 1
- Fever or chills 1
- Wound edges separating or opening 1
Other Reasons to Return:
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with direct pressure 1
- Numbness or tingling near the wound 1
- Difficulty moving the affected area 1
Important Considerations
Antibiotic Use
- Prophylactic oral antibiotics are NOT needed for most simple, clean wounds and do not improve outcomes 1
- Antibiotics are only indicated for contaminated wounds, human or animal bites, or wounds in high-risk areas 5
- Superficial wound infections can be treated with topical antibiotics, but deeper infections require oral antibiotics 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't keep the wound excessively dry—moisture promotes healing 2
- Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol repeatedly, as these can damage healing tissue 1
- Don't ignore signs of infection hoping they will resolve on their own 1
- Don't forget tetanus prophylaxis—this is a critical safety measure 1