A laceration is a tear or cut in the skin, tissue, and/or muscle. They can vary in length, depth, and width. A laceration repair is the act of cleaning, preparing, and closing the wound.

 

Lacerations that are shallow, small, not bleeding, and clean may not need medical care. Antibiotic ointment and a bandage may be all that is needed.

Lacerations may need medical repair if it has:

 

• Exposed muscle, fat, tendon, or bone

• Dirt and debris in the wound, may remain even after cleaning

• Feeling as if something is in the laceration, even if you cannot see any debris

• Bleeding continues after applying direct pressure for 10-15 minutes

• Jagged or uneven edges

• Depth more than 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep

• Location on area of high stress (joints, hands, feet, chest)