The first step when you notice a laceration is to help stop the bleeding, do this as soon as possible. The wound should be applied with pressure with a clean cloth if one is available. Once you have applied pressure, it is best to visit a walk-in clinic for minor lacerations that are not life or limb-threatening like Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. If you are dealing with a life or limb-threatening laceration, immediately seek medical attention from the nearest emergency room. After a physical exam is completed, the laceration will be thoroughly cleaned by a medical provider, and an in-depth evaluation will occur. Wounds like a laceration can be treated based on what the medical provider recommends would be best suited for your specific laceration, this may include: - Sutures - Wound adhesive - Staples - Pressure dressing This is to ensure that the laceration does not re-open once treated, and continues to heal properly. If the wound is red or showing any signs of infection, a medical provider may prescribe antibiotics as a treatment option on top of the laceration to help. Make sure to notify the medical provider helping you if the wound was from an animal or insect bite, as a tetanus shot may be in order. Tetanus shots are typically good for up to 10 years, although deep lacerations may call for a tetanus shot update if the last one was given more than 5 or so years ago. For more information call one of our locations today or book an appointment online through our website, or simply walk right in! We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Happy Valley OR, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.