Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Our Wellness Tips blog series is here to provide you with expert advice from Dr. Josef Schenker, the Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care. With years of experience in internal medicine and emergency care, Dr. Schenker provides clear, practical advice to help you make informed decisions about your health.
This series covers a wide range of important topics, offering valuable insights on how to prevent illness, manage common conditions, and improve your overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for treatment or seeking ways to build healthier habits, these tips are here to help you feel your best every day.
Laceration First Aid and Treatment
Each year, 7 to 9 million Americans visit healthcare facilities for laceration treatment. While minor cuts can often be managed at home, deeper or more complex wounds may require professional attention to prevent complications like infection or excessive bleeding.
Acting quickly when a laceration occurs can make a big difference in recovery. Proper first aid not only lowers the risk of infection but also helps wounds heal faster. Josef Schenker, MD offers practical advice that can guide you through this process so you’ll know how to handle lacerations confidently — and when to seek urgent medical care.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains What is Laceration
A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin, typically caused by sharp objects, accidents, or trauma. Unlike minor cuts or scrapes, lacerations are often jagged and irregular, and may extend into deeper layers of tissue. This makes them more prone to bleeding, infection, and scarring if not properly treated.
- Clean Lacerations: These have smooth, straight edges, often caused by sharp objects like knives or glass. They tend to bleed less and are usually easier to clean and close with stitches or adhesive strips. While less complicated, they still need proper care to prevent infection.
- Jagged Lacerations: These have torn, uneven edges, often caused by blunt force trauma or irregular objects. Because of their rough edges, these wounds may bleed more heavily and require extra cleaning to remove debris. Stitches are often needed to help the wound heal properly.
- Deep Lacerations: These go beyond the skin’s surface, sometimes reaching muscles, tendons, or even bones. Deep lacerations often bleed heavily and require immediate medical care to avoid serious complications like nerve damage or infection. In many cases, these wounds need stitches, staples, or surgical intervention for proper healing.
No matter the type, Josef Schenker, MD emphasizes that treating a laceration quickly and correctly is key to preventing infection and improving healing outcomes.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains First Aid and Treatment for Laceration
Proper first aid is crucial when dealing with a laceration. According to Dr. Josef Schenker, acting quickly can help reduce pain, minimize bleeding, and prevent complications.
First Aid and Treatment at Home
If the laceration is minor and can be managed at home, follow these steps:
- Stop the Bleeding: Apply gentle but firm pressure using a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Hold pressure for several minutes without checking too often, as this can disrupt clotting. Elevating the injured area may also help slow the bleeding.
- Clean the Wound: Rinse the area with clean, lukewarm water for at least five minutes to flush out debris. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as they can damage healthy tissue and delay healing. Mild soap can be used around (but not directly inside) the wound.
- Apply an Antibiotic Ointment: This helps reduce the risk of infection and keeps the wound moist to promote healing. Apply a thin layer and avoid overuse, as excessive ointment can delay scab formation.
- Cover the Wound: Use a sterile bandage or gauze pad to protect the area and keep it clean. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty. Keeping the wound covered promotes faster healing and minimizes scarring.
- Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus. Increasing pain or a foul odor may also indicate infection. If these symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.
Professional Treatment
Josef Schenker, MD states that more serious lacerations may require professional care. In a healthcare setting, treatment may include:
- Stitches or Sutures: Deep or wide lacerations often need stitches to bring the edges together and promote proper healing. Stitches also reduce the risk of infection and minimize scarring.
- Staples: These are sometimes used for scalp or other areas with thicker skin. Staples are durable, making them ideal for high-tension areas.
- Surgical Glue: For smaller, less severe lacerations, medical glue may be used to seal the wound. This option is quick, painless, and ideal for facial or cosmetic areas.
- Tetanus Shot: If the injury was caused by a rusty object or dirty environment, or if your tetanus vaccination is outdated, a tetanus shot may be recommended to prevent infection.
- Antibiotics: For deeper, contaminated, or high-risk wounds, antibiotics may be prescribed to help prevent infection and promote healing.
Dr. Josef Schenker advises that if bleeding doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, or if the wound exposes muscle, bone, or fat, call 911 or visit your nearest urgent care or emergency room.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, minor lacerations can heal on their own with proper care such as keeping the wound clean, applying antibiotic ointment, and changing the dressing regularly. However, if the cut is deep, jagged, or continues to bleed after applying pressure, get professional treatment immediately.
Yes, stitches are needed for deeper lacerations that won’t close on their own. If a wound is gaping, longer than half an inch, or bleeds persistently after 10 minutes of pressure, stitches are likely necessary. Prompt treatment helps minimize scarring, infection, and complications.
Signs of infection in a laceration include redness, swelling, and warmth around the wound. Yellow or green discharge, increasing pain, or foul odor can indicate infection. Seek medical care immediately if fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes develop to prevent complications.
Laceration healing time depends on its severity. Minor cuts may heal in about a week, while deeper wounds requiring stitches often take two to three weeks. Severe lacerations, especially those involving muscles or tendons, may require several weeks or longer to heal fully.
Prevent Infection: Get Immediate Laceration Treatment
When it comes to lacerations, quick and proper care is essential. Prompt first aid and professional treatment can prevent infection, reduce scarring, and speed up recovery.
If you or someone you know gets a laceration, Centers Urgent Care is here to help. With multiple locations across New York, our expert medical team, led by Dr. Josef Schenker, provides immediate treatment for lacerations and related infections. Visit your nearest Centers Urgent Care facility for fast, effective care to help you heal safely and comfortably.
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.
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MY HERPES STORY AND HOW I WAS CURED
For years, I struggled with the emotional and physical burden of the herpes virus, believing I would have to live with it forever. I tried countless treatments, medications, and therapies, but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. It felt like a battle with no end in sight until I discovered a natural remedy that changed everything (herbs). Skeptical at first, I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, I started noticing improvements in my overall well-being within two days of taking the medication. With consistency as prescribed by the herbal doctor, I felt healthier, more energized, and free from the symptoms that had once controlled my life. After completing the treatment, (14days) I visited my doctor for confirmation, and I was overjoyed with the results. I tested negative. I was cured from my HSV1&2
This experience has given me back my confidence, peace of mind, and a renewed sense of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling with herpes or other health concerns like HPV, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PCOS, or hepatitis, know that there are alternative options available and you will be cured. For those seeking a natural approach to wellness, I encourage you to explore this path with an open mind. You never know how life-changing it might be. Just if you want to reach out, you can contact:
Email: dr.awaseherbalhome@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +2349074997110
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