Receive Non-Emergency Wound Treatment in Tampa, FL, Without Waiting Hours in an ER
A wound is a break in the body’s protective skin barrier, such as a scrape, scratch, cut, laceration, or puncture. These injuries can vary widely in severity, but it is important to appropriately treat any type of wound. Proper care can help prevent infection and other complications, and also promote healing and minimize scarring.
Any type of wound that is bleeding uncontrollably is a serious injury that warrants immediate medical attention at the closest hospital ER. On the other hand, a minor wound can often be safely treated at home. For anything in between, you can come to South Tampa Immediate Care in Tampa, Florida. Our experienced medical team offers non-emergency wound care and other urgent care services on a walk-in basis.
We Provide Professional Care for Non-Emergency Wounds
After cleansing and assessing your injury, a provider at South Tampa Immediate Care can provide effective wound care, which may involve sutures (stitches). After numbing the skin in the affected area, the provider will carefully thread one or more stitches from one side of the wound to the other to keep it closed as it heals. Another option is a tissue adhesive, which we may use in place of stitches to hold the edges of a wound together. Depending on the nature of your wound and your vaccination status, we may suggest a tetanus booster as well.
How to Care for a Superficial Wound at Home
Usually, you can treat a minor scrape, scratch, or cut at home. Here’s how:
- Carefully wash the wound with warm water and antibacterial soap.
- Gently pat the skin dry with a soft cloth.
- Firmly apply direct pressure to the wound to stop any minor bleeding.
- If the wound will be exposed to dirt, temporarily cover it with a clean bandage, then remove the bandage as soon as the exposure is over.
- Keep the wound clean, leave it uncovered, and allow it to air out.
As the wound heals, keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as skin warmth, redness, swelling, or drainage. If the wound seems to be infected, come to South Tampa Immediate Care right away.
The experienced and compassionate team at South Tampa Immediate Care is available every day to provide non-emergency wound care. You are welcome to visit our walk-in clinic any time you need urgent care for a non-life-threatening health issue.