Toe Laceration (Cut Skin)
Description
Lacerations of the toe can be simple involving only the skin or complex with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations there is weakness of the toe, and with nerve damage, numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.
Symptoms
Laceration, inability to flex or extend the toe, numbness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Testing of the tendons and nerves will be done.
Treatment
Simple lacerations require only closure of the skin. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, or nerves. Toe lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to prevent infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with running water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse consider calling 911. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.
Related Videos
Research
News
Steven W. Nixon, who is charged with seven felonies...
Share Your Experience
Do you have experience with this disease? Do you or someone
you know suffer from Toe Laceration (Cut skin)?
Please share you experience with other members of the iTriage community.