Question : How to take care of minor wounds from home and when should you see a doctor?
If a wound is painful and a patient is able to stop the bleeding after 1-2 minutes, it does not require sutures and will not require a doctor’s attention. It can typically be treated with either Vaseline and a bandaid or a silicone based scar gel and a bandaid initially followed by a physical blocker sunscreen thereafter for best results. My favorite silicone based scar gel is Silagen.
If a wound is painless and does not stop bleeding after a couple of minutes, it is considered a laceration and needs to be sutured. The painless nature of the laceration indicates nerves have been cut. Please report directly to an urgent care or emergency center for proper treatment.
Please click here for more information about scar treatments.
Dr. Ellen Turner is a double board-certified dermatologist with practices in Dallas and Irving, Texas. She specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, as well as anti-aging and regenerative medicine.
To schedule an appointment, please call 214-373-7546.