Don't Let a Minor Cut Become a Major Problem: When to Seek Wound Care

When an injury occurs, your body jumps into action. Blood cells clot together to stem bleeding, inflammation kicks in to fight off infection, and new skin cells begin to rebuild damaged tissue and heal the wound.

But sometimes, a helping hand is necessary to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery. At Internal Medicine Partners, our team, led by Alejandro Blanco, MD, and Ralph Rodriguez, MD, provides specialized wound care for injuries that need more than basic first aid.

Knowing what to look for can help you keep a minor cut from becoming a major problem. Read on to learn when you should seek medical attention for a wound.

Deep wounds or punctures

Deep lacerations that expose underlying fat or muscle, puncture wounds, and other severe injuries carry a high risk of infection and require immediate medical attention. At Internal Medicine Partners, we offer same-day urgent care appointments to ensure you get the care you need, when you need it.

As we thoroughly clean and irrigate the wound, we check for and remove any foreign objects, such as glass or debris, that may have been left behind from a fall or accident. Once clean, we close it with sutures or medical adhesives to promote healing and reduce the risk of scarring.

We may also provide a tetanus shot if you’re overdue for one.

Signs of infection

While some redness and swelling are normal during the initial stages of the healing process, keep an eye on cuts or scrapes for increasing pain, warmth, redness, or pus, especially if accompanied by a fever or chills. These symptoms are signs of an infection, and without prompt care, the bacteria can spread to surrounding tissue.

Depending on the severity of the infection, we may prescribe oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the bacteria from within. We may also perform a thorough cleaning and debridement of any nonviable tissue to promote healthier healing.

A wound that isn’t healing

Most minor injuries should begin to mend within a few days, so one that fails to show much progress after a week or two is a cause for concern. If you notice a cut or surgical incision that is getting larger, or if it seems to reopen after a period of healing, it could be a chronic wound.

A wound is considered chronic if it shows no signs of healing within four to twelve weeks, despite treatment. Our providers can assess the situation and select the most appropriate dressings and topical treatments to protect the wound and stimulate healthy tissue growth.

You have a chronic condition

For some patients, chronic illnesses may complicate the wound healing process. Health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a weakened immune system can prevent your body from effectively repairing damaged tissue.

For complex cases like these, our team offers a comprehensive approach that addresses both the wound and the illness. We can help you manage long-term health conditions while also monitoring any injuries for potential complications.

Animal bites or scratches

Animal bites and scratches are particularly concerning due to the high risk of infection and the potential for transmitting serious diseases like rabies. These injuries require prompt assessment to determine the need for antibiotics or a rabies vaccination series.

While minor cuts or scrapes often heal on their own with basic at-home care, more serious or complex injuries call for expert guidance. To schedule a same-day appointment or learn more about specialized wound care, contact Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, today.