Medical Treatment

Bed rest, fluids, and a mild pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be prescribed.

• Ice may be applied to bumps to relieve pain and decrease swelling.
  
  
• Cuts are numbed with medication such as lidocaine, by injection or topical application. The cut is then cleansed thoroughly with a saline solution and possibly an iodine solution. The physician will explore the injury to look for foreign matter and hidden injuries. The wound usually is closed with skin staples, stitches (sutures), or, occasionally, a skin glue called cyanoacrylate (Dermabond).