How severe can an injury be before I need to go to the hospital? I don't want to deal with bills, and stitches because I don't have insurance. I have a fairly deep gash from being stupid outside, and I've cleaned it and bandaged it up so far...it happened yesterday.
It's not bleeding anymore but sort of oozing. Do you really think I need to see a doctor for this?
2007-01-15 10:11:48 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
If you have stopped the bleeding, you don't need to go the ER likely. Just watch for signs of infection (red, warm, painful, draining pus). Continue to keep the area clean. If you start to have any problems, call a primary care physician and see them that day.
2007-01-15 10:16:55 · answer #1 · answered by r alexander 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hospitals are expensive-but you can learn to treat yourself. get some hydrogen peroxide and painfully, using Qtip clean the wound completely. its ok if it bleeds alittle,- then dry it with a very clean cloth and put an antibiotic creme on it(drugstore).cover it with a bandaid and every day- repeat until the oozing stops. then the healing should begin. you will know its healing when it starts to get dry and crusty. do not pick at it. let it be. keep it clean with soap and water . If it continues to bleed or ooze, get red or swollen- call your family doctor. it could get infected if you dont care for it properly. always wash your hands before and after dressing the wound
2007-01-15 18:21:43 · answer #2 · answered by lesleybrar 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's really no way to answer your question without seeing the wound. It's probably already too late to get stitches. The biggest thing you need to worry about is infection. Look for redness, swelling, discharge, etc.
You could go to an immediate care center. Not cheap, but probably better than a hospital ER.
2007-01-15 18:18:07 · answer #3 · answered by TomB 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
IMPORTANT !
you need to go buy some Hydrogen Peroxide (first aid antiseptic) and some butterfly band aids.
Dump a cap full of the peroxide on the cut so it will foam away all the germs, then put the butterfly band aid on and close the wound.
The butterfly band aid will hold the wound closed so you wont need to have it stitched.
You should be OK, just watch for an infection. But if you care for it properly it should heal and do just fine.
Good Luck !
2007-01-15 18:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by Bridget 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is too late to stitch it up now
you should be seen by a doctor
try a freee clinic if you have to but be seen
you possibly need a tetanus shot and may need antibiotics
a break in the skin especially a deep ash is an open invitation for s serious infestion which could become septic and get into your bloodstream
then you will really have problems and medical bills
2007-01-15 18:51:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well not to worry. AAfter 24 hours they will not stictch you up. So just keep it cleaned and with fresh bandages. Should you start to see red streaks appear headed from the cut towards your main part of the body. get to a doctor. That is infection spreading.
2007-01-15 18:16:14 · answer #6 · answered by Biker 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Doctor can't do much now. The wound has been open too long and stiches could actually keep the infection in.
Just try to keep it as clean as possible and if the spot gets red, or painful, go to the ER ASAP.
2007-01-15 18:14:57 · answer #7 · answered by Kiss My Shaz 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stitches won't help now.You should put on triple antibiotc ointment and clean bandages once or twice a day for at least a week.
2007-01-15 18:19:28 · answer #8 · answered by rae 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋