ABRASIONS, CUTS, LACERATION

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Definition: Abrasion is an injury caused by scraping away a portion of skin.
Cut or laceration is a jagged or clean break in the skin.
Puncture-wound is a break in the skin caused by a penetrating object.

SELF-TREATMENT

1. Wash with soap and warm water, then rinse with water to remove any dirt or debris
2. Hold clean cloth firmly over wound until bleeding stops
3. Apply antibiotic ointment and clean, dry dressing
4. Change dressing and reapply antibiotic ointment daily.  Change dressing more often if it becomes wet or soiled.
5. Check tetanus immunization history (call the Health Services Ext. 4555, if you are unsure of the date). If it has been longer than 5 years since your last tetanus, please have the wound checked at the Student Health Center for our assessment of the need for a tetanus booster.

HEALTH SERVICE VISIT RECOMMENDED IF

1. Bleeding cannot be controlled
2. Wound is deep and gaping
3. Foreign object is imbedded in the wound
4. If signs and symptoms of infection develop
   a) Fever after 24 hours
   b) Swelling, redness and warmth around injury
   c) Drainage of any pus
   
5. If you are unsure....