What kind of head laceration do I need to see a doctor with?
Any laceration to the head should be examined by a doctor. For a beautiful cosmetic result, a laceration must always be stitched or treated with adhesive plasters. For optimal wound healing, the edges of the wound must be well guided (adapted) to each other. Especially in larger wounds (> 2cm), this is only possible with sutures. If this is not done, the wound may only heal with an unsightly scar.
Complications of a laceration of the head
As with any wound, infections can occur. The first signs of this are redness, swelling, overheating and pain around the wound edges. The symptoms spread around the wound and can result in general symptoms such as fever and chills.
In the worst case, blood poisoning may occur. The skin on the head is well supplied with blood, and large bruises can occur. If the wound is not treated carefully, unattractive scars can develop. The injury of fine nerves under the skin can lead to permanent sensory disturbances. Depending on how strong the blow was, accompanying bone fractures or internal bleeding (cerebral hemorrhage) may occur.
Scar after a laceration of the head
If the laceration is not carefully sutured and the edges of the wound are not well adapted, unsightly scars can develop. Even after the wound has healed, the area should not be exposed to the blazing sun and should be regularly treated with moisturizing ointments (e.g. Bepanthen).
Is it allowed to wash hair with a laceration on the head?
The wound should always be kept dry and clean. Until the wound is completely healed, the hair should be washed, if necessary only with clear water and then dabbed dry. Soaps and shampoos should only be reused after the thread has been pulled.
Duration of sick leave
The duration of the sick leave depends on the accompanying symptoms. As soon as the wound has been stitched up, the bleeding has stopped and the headache has subsided, the patient can go back to work. This is usually the case after 3-4 days.
If nausea, dizziness or visual disturbances occur in addition or if the headaches last longer, the sick leave must be extended. In case of a craniocerebral trauma or cerebral hemorrhage, recovery can take several weeks.
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