Most of us know how to take care of a minor cut or scrape and likewise when to see a doctor for a major wound, but what about those in-between cases? At Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC we would always rather you contact us if you’re unsure about whether a wound needs to be seen by the podiatrist. You should definitely seek medical care from our foot doctors, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight and Dr. Marzana Mleczko, if any of the following criteria are met:
- The wound is deeper than ½ an inch
- Bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes
- Blood flow does not stop after applying pressure to the wound
- You were in a serious accident when you received the wound
If you have sustained a serious wound there are some steps you can take to promote quicker healing:
- Increase your fluid intake to flush out your system
- Eat healthy meals with lots of protein, fruits and vegetables
- Get some extra rest
- Don’t smoke—it impedes circulation and the flow of oxygen rich blood which speeds healing
For Minor Wounds
If you are certain that a wound is minor and can be cared for at home be sure to clean the wound site and continue to keep it clean until it is fully healed. Even the tiniest break in the skin can be an entry point for infection-causing bacteria and dirt. To prevent debris from entering through the wound it’s best to apply petroleum jelly to the wound after it has been cleaned and then cover it with a bandage. This will also keep the wound moist and will help it to heal more quickly. Change the bandage daily until the wound is completely healed.
One caveat for treating minor wounds: if you are a patient with diabetes you should have even minor foot injuries checked by the podiatrist.
If you have additional questions about a wound or injury or are concerned that a cut is not healing properly, contact our Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074 office.