Cuts and Lacerations

If the bleeding is severe, call for emergency medical attention.

Using a clean cloth, gauze pad or your hand, apply firm and direct pressure to the wound to help control bleeding. Maintain pressure continuously and elevate the wound if possible.


Don’t put pressure on an eye injury, embedded object or on the head if there may be a skull fracture.

If bleeding doesn’t stop, add more bandages on top of the first one if it soaks through. Continue to apply pressure.


If you are assisting someone with a heavily bleeding wound, stay with them while you wait for medical help to arrive. Help them sit or lay down in a comfortable position, elevating the wound if possible.


To learn more about first aid treatment for severe bleeding, see this article from Harvard Health.

Even with proper wound care and treatment, cuts or lacerations can result in noticeable scars. Scars may cause cosmetic concerns or affect mobility 
if they form over joints or other areas of movement.

Injuries to certain areas of the body (such as the hands, feet or face) can lead to a loss of function or decreased range of motion.

If a cut or laceration becomes infected and is not promptly treated, it can lead to serious complications such as tissue damage, abscess formation 
or the spread of infection to other parts of the body. In some cases, untreated infections can lead to systemic illness or sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

Cuts or lacerations that injure nerves can result in long-term sensory or motor deficits, such as numbness, tingling, weakness, loss of sensation, or chronic pain.

Damage to tendons or ligaments caused by cuts or lacerations can impair joint stability and function. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Severe injuries, particularly those resulting in disfigurement or functional impairment, can have psychological effects. This can include anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If the foreign object is large, deeply embedded or difficult to remove, don’t try to pull it out yourself. Attempting to remove the object could worsen the bleeding or cause further injury. Instead, get professional medical treatment for foreign body removal.


Small foreign objects like slivers can usually be removed on your own with clean tweezers. If you’re uncertain that you can remove the foreign object without causing further injury, it’s best to seek medical advice.

Signs of infection in a wound can include:

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Pus or discharge

• Foul odor

• Slow healing

• Increasing redness

• Worsening pain or tenderness

• Fevers

• Chills or sweats


Infected wounds can result in serious complications. If your cut or laceration is infected, seek medical treatment.

It's not necessary to get a tetanus shot for every cut, but it is recommended in certain situations. If the wound is contaminated or it's been more than five years since your last tetanus shot, your healthcare provider will likely recommend another shot.