Have A Cut That Doesn't Require An ER Visit? Head To The Pharmacy Instead
ShareIf you got a long cut on your body and you don't think it's deep or wide enough to go to an emergency room, there are items you can get at the local pharmacy to hold you over until you get in to see your doctor. You don't want to leave the cut untreated, but unless the cut needs stitches, it probably doesn't require a visit to the emergency room. Here are some of the things to ask yourself when evaluating your cut.
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot?
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the brain. If you were cut by metal and it was aged or rusty, you may need to get a tetanus shot. If you can't remember when your last shot was or if you've ever had one, you need to schedule an appointment to get a shot right away. You don't want to put yourself at the risk of contracting this type of infection.
Can You Get to a Local Pharmacy?
The local pharmacy should have a lot of the things that you can use to help with the cut. Talk with the pharmacist if you have questions, and then get items like:
- Hydrogen peroxide to clean the cut
- Antibacterial cream
- Bandages to wrap the wound
- Acetaminophen for pain
- Ibuprofen for swelling
- Freezable ice packs for swelling
The pharmacist can help answer questions you have about the over-the-counter medications you are taking. This can help you treat the cut so you don't have to worry about infection and so you are able to manage the pain.
Do You Need a Work Note?
If you need a note for work because you can't work with the cut, then you need to schedule an appointment with a physician. They will be able to look at the wound and determine if it's safe to work while you have it and to check if it's healing properly.
There are many injuries that don't require an immediate trip to the emergency room, and if you have a cut, you want to head to the pharmacy and get all the supplies you need. You can clean and treat the cut so that it isn't throbbing and to prevent infection.
If the cut looks like it's infected or you can't stop the bleeding, you want to go to an emergency room right away. Assess the cut and go from there.
To learn more, contact a pharmacy.