How to Handle Cuts and Wounds From an Urgent Care
September 23, 2024
Accidents happen, and cuts or wounds are among the most common injuries people encounter. Whether it’s a minor kitchen mishap or a fall in the yard, knowing how to handle these injuries can mean the difference between slight discomfort or a more serious medical condition. Here’s a helpful guide from our experts at Texas MedClinic Urgent Care in Jarrell about how to best manage cuts and wounds.
When to Visit Urgent Care
Minor cuts and scrapes can often be taken care of at home, but there are times when you need professional attention. Come see our experienced team at Texas MedClinic Urgent Care if any of the following are true; our team can handle these situations promptly to minimize complications and preventing infection.
- The wound is deep or has jagged edges.
- The bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure.
- You notice signs of infection, like redness, warmth, swelling or pus.
- The wound is caused by an animal bite, a rusted object or something dirty.
- You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, or if your wound is dirty and it’s been more than five years since your last booster.
Initial Steps Before Heading to Urgent Care
Before visiting our urgent care, there are a few things you can do to manage the wound:
- Clean the Wound. Rinse the cut under clean, running water to remove dirt or debris. Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or iodine directly on the wound, as these irritate the tissue.
- Control Bleeding. Apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage until the bleeding stops. If blood soaks through the material, do not remove it — add more layers.
- Protect the Wound. Cover the cut with a sterile bandage or gauze to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Keep the wound covered until you receive professional care.
These steps help manage the injury temporarily but do not replace medical care. Visit our urgent care in Jarrell to ensure your wound receives the appropriate treatment.
What to Expect at Urgent Care
When you arrive at Texas MedClinic Urgent Care, the medical staff will assess your wound and determine the best treatment.
- Evaluation. A provider will examine the wound to determine its severity and identify any potential signs of infection.
- Cleaning. The wound will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining debris, reducing the risk of infection.
- Closure. Depending on the cut’s size and depth, it may be closed with stitches, staples or adhesive strips to promote healing.
- Tetanus Shot. If necessary, you may receive a tetanus shot, especially if the wound is contaminated or has been years since your last booster.
- Wound Dressing. The wound will be dressed with appropriate bandages to keep it clean and promote healing. Instructions on how to care for it at home will also be provided.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
Proper aftercare ensures your wound heals correctly and prevents complications. Follow these tips after visiting urgent care:
- Keep the wound clean and dry. Change the dressing as instructed, usually once daily or if it becomes wet or dirty.
- Watch for signs of infection. Monitor the wound for redness, warmth, swelling or discharge. Contact our urgent care clinic if you notice any of these symptoms.
- Follow up if necessary. Some injuries may require a follow-up visit to check the progress of your healing or to remove stitches or staples.
Benefits of Visiting Urgent Care for Cuts and Wounds
Visiting our urgent care vs. an emergency room offers many advantages, especially for non-life-threatening injuries like cuts and wounds. You’ll receive prompt, professional care without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms. Plus, our urgent care clinics are equipped to handle a wide range of injuries, providing you with the right treatment quickly.
Whether you need stitches, a tetanus shot or a thorough cleaning, visit Texas MedClinic Urgent Care in Jarrell to receive high-quality care that will get you back to living well as quickly as possible. The next time you are searching for urgent care near me that treats cuts or wounds, don’t hesitate to walk into our nearby urgent care clinics.
