What Does laceration Mean
Laceration of the Latin laceratio , is the action and effect of lacerating . This verb refers to hurt, wound, bruise, damage, violate or afflict . It can therefore be used in a physical sense (a concrete and bodily injury ) or in a symbolic sense (an emotional injury).
For example: "The doctors said that it is a major laceration that will take a long time to heal" , "The laceration produced by the blow forced us to apply seven stitches to the victim" , "What hurts the most are the lacerations of the soul" .
Laceration can be defined as a break that occurs in the skin , which can be of varying severity. The minor lacerations involve little pain and bleeding, numbness or tingling without the area. These types of wounds usually heal in a short time, without the need to go to a doctor .
The most important lacerations, on the other hand, include heavy bleeding and are very painful. Sometimes tendons or bones can be seen through the wound. In these cases, urgent medical attention is needed.
If a minor laceration is sustained, it is important to clean the wound with soap and warm water . Afterwards, an ointment or antibiotic remedy should be applied and finally the laceration should be covered with a sterile gauze. It should be noted that this type of injury is quite common, since it is not a serious accident that warrants going to a health center, but the result of a small carelessness.
How to heal lacerations
All lacerations, regardless of their severity, should be treated as soon as possible. The most advisable thing is to proceed with the healing as soon as the wound has occurred, and for this there are certain essential steps, which are detailed below:
* If the accident occurred with small pieces of some material, such as wood, metal or glass, it is recommended to carefully inspect the area of the laceration to look for any residue. It is very important not to remove the large ones, those that are embedded and that keep the wound closed, since this could increase bleeding considerably;
* stop bleeding by pressing on the wound, either with gauze or a clean piece of cloth, for an average of 15 minutes, depending on the severity of the laceration. If the bleeding does not stop, then it will be necessary to go to a medical center for care immediately;
* Determine the depth of the wound, since if it is greater than 6 millimeters, some method to close it becomes necessary, such as the application of stitches or staples, which should be practiced by someone with specific experience and knowledge;
* Use saline solution or clean water to wash the laceration, so that the dirt can be removed. It is advisable to press gently, to prevent the wound from opening again or bleeding again;
* Cover the laceration completely using a bandage or gauze, avoiding using any material that can stick to the wound.
The liquid bandage is an ideal product for any minor laceration, and a recommended alternative to traditional bandages. Its action consists of supporting the skin and keeping the wound closed until it heals, and the risk of infection is considerably less than that of gauze.
In a metaphorical sense
The laceration can also be metaphorical , when a deep pain is suffered in the soul : "Every word of yours produces a laceration in my spirit: I ask you not to continue" , "I will never forgive the emotional lacerations that you caused my son" , " The wounds on my face will heal quickly, but not the lacerations that occurred deep within me ” .