Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for a laceration infection. A laceration is a cut or tear anywhere on the skin. Germs got into your body through the laceration and caused an infection.
If you had stitches or staples on the laceration, the doctor might have removed them.
If the doctor gave you antibiotics, it is very important to finish them, even if you start to feel better.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●If the doctor gave you a splint, wear it as instructed.
●Prop your painful body part on pillows, keeping it raised above the level of your heart. This helps lessen pain and swelling.
●The doctor might have instructed you to use warm, moist heat on the area. If so, soak the area in clean, warm water for 10 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day. Or you can apply a moist, hot towel instead. Cover the towel with plastic wrap and a dry towel.
●Always wash your hands before and after you touch your wound or bandage.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have a fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
•The pain in and around the area gets much worse.
•You have a crunchy feeling or blisters in your skin around the wound.
•The redness around the wound gets bigger or spreads up your arm or leg.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (37.8°C) or higher, or chills.
●A bad smell or pus (thick yellow, green, or gray fluid) is coming from the wound, and is not going away after a few days.
●Fluid that is not pus drains from the wound.
●The swelling does not get better or gets worse.
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Laceration infection (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
