Small injuries happen all the time. In most cases, a small cut like a paper cut will heal on its own without medical intervention. However, even with a small injury, it is important to understand how to prevent and identify signs of an infection. Infections can happen quickly and cause uncomfortable symptoms like redness and swelling. Keep reading to learn more about signs of infection for minor injuries.
If you have a cut and are wondering whether it could be infected, it is important to seek medical care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our walk-in clinic makes it easy to get rapid medical care when you need it. Simply walk into the clinic, we’re open Monday through Saturday. Or, schedule your visit in advance below.
Treatment Options for Minor Cuts
When you have a small injury like a small or shallow cut, it may seem like no big deal. Although a small cut is not life-threatening, it is still important to know the proper steps to treat a cut to prevent an infection from forming. Any break in the skin is susceptible to developing an infection if not kept clean, even if the injury is small. In most cases, cleaning the affected area with warm, soapy water and covering it during the healing process to keep it clear of debris is sufficient to prevent infection. However, you should still monitor it for signs of an infection so that you can take action in a timely manner.
How to Identify Signs of an Infection
Injuries of all sizes are prone to developing an infection, even if they are small. Watching for signs of an infection and catching it early will help ensure that you can take necessary action and avoid complications during the healing process. Signs of an infection to watch out for include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Throbbing pain
- Skin feeling hot
- Mild fever
When to Seek Medical Care for a Cut
If you have a minor injury, you may not require immediate medical attention. Most small cuts can be treated at home with proper care. However, if your cut is large, more than a quarter inch deep, or was inflicted with a dirty surface like a rusty piece of metal or a knife with food on it, you should seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to clean the wound and ensure it doesn’t require treatment like stitches to heal properly.
Walk Into AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for Walk-In Injury Care
Small injuries like surface-level cuts may not seem like a big deal, however, any break in the skin can become infected without proper care. If you notice signs of an infection forming, it is important to seek medical care. Delaying care can cause complications during the healing process. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, our clinic is available to provide immediate minor injury care when you need it. We offer same-day care on a walk-in basis for patients in Kent, WA, and the surrounding communities.
We understand the importance of having access to convenient and affordable care. That is why our walk-in clinic works with most medical insurance plans and offers competitive rates for patients who are paying out of pocket. If you’re in need of minor injury care, you can count on AFC Southcenter. Walk in today, or give us a call at (425) 291-3300 to learn more about the services we’re able to provide.
