Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit
You have been given this information because you have been diagnosed with a laceration or incised wound. Wounds may be closed with a variety of treatments including the following:
Sutures and clips
These will be used on deeper wounds or special areas, for example; over joints or on the mouth. You will be told prior to leaving when these should be removed. This will usually be between 5 and 14 days.
Steristrips
These may be used on several different types of wound. These paper stitches will stay in place for 5 to 7 days. Occasionally with wounds such as pre-tibial lacerations (shin wound) they may be required to stay in place for 14 days or more. These can be removed by yourself when moistened with water, or by making an appointment with your Practice Nurse.
Tissue glue
This will be used on superficial wounds. Once a wound is healed the glue will come away from the wound by itself.
Caring for a wound
The wound should be kept clean and dry. Not all wounds will receive a dressing, but you will be advised on this prior to leaving.
You should avoid contact sports and using a swimming pool while your wound is healing. Excessive activity or moisture may cause a delay to wound healing or introduce infection.
Signs of infection
You should watch out for any signs of infection such as:
- Increased redness and swelling around the wound
- Pus or blood stained fluid from the wound
- Reopening of the wound
- An unpleasant smell from the wound
- If you feel generally unwell with a temperature
Treating pain
If needed, painkiller options include the following:
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve pain and may also limit inflammation and swelling. You can buy some types (for example, ibuprofen) at pharmacies, without a prescription either topically as a cream, or as tablets. You should check the medication advice leaflet to ensure you are safe to take these as some patients with asthma or stomach ulcers may not be able to.
Further Information
For further advice and information about your condition, please choose from the following:
- ‘NHS Patient Choices’ website: www.nhs.uk
- ‘Making Lives Better’ patient website: www.patient.info
- Telephone NHS 111
- Contact your General Practitioner
Contact details
- The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Telephone: 01642 850850 - The Friarage, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1JG
Telephone: 01609 779911 - Redcar Primary Care Hospital, West Dyke Road, Redcar, TS10 4NW
Telephone: 01642 511000
If you have any medical concerns or need advice please contact 111, for further information regarding this leaflet please contact: [email protected] This email will be monitored 9am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]