The weather is getting great for going outside to play or do yard work. It's also sending more people to the doctor with lacerations caused by a sharp object. Dr. Susan Fedewa at the 98.6 Emergicenter says treatment depends on how deep the cut is.
The first thing you should do is try to control the bleeding by applying pressure and holding the wound higher than your heart.
Once the bleeding stops, clean the wound with warm, soapy water. You should see a doctor if the bleeding won't stop after 15 minutes, or if it starts up again after it stops. Deep or wide lacerations may require stitches.
The general rule is to get to a doctor if you can see inside the cut. Stitches will help it heal sooner and will help prevent an infection. A wound to the feet or one that can't be cleaned right away may require a tetanus shot.
If you put a bandage over your laceration you need to change the dressing and clean it daily. Swelling, pus and redness that starts to spread away from the wound are all signs of a possible infection. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience any of those symptoms. You also need to get to the doctor for a cut caused by an animal bite because you may need a rabies shot.
