Cuts
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have swelling or bruising at or near a cut injury?
See significance of swelling or bruising if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have severe swelling or bruising?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Did a lot of swelling and bruising begin within 30 minutes of the injury and symptoms have not gone away?
Yes Did swelling begin after a cut over a joint?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has swelling from a cut (not over a joint) gotten worse after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Have you had a moderate amount of swelling from a cut for 2 to 3 days, but it does not interfere with normal function?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: August 28, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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