When to Call the Doctor

• All bites and any cut or laceration greater than 1/2-inch long in which you can see fat or deeper tissues (muscle or bone) will require medical attention.
  
  
• If bleeding is brisk or blood spurts with your heartbeat or does not stop after 10 minutes, your doctor should be called.
  
  
• If there is still dirt and debris in an abrasion after your best attempt at cleaning the area, you should notify your doctor.
  
  
• Any redness extending from the wound after 2 days or yellow drainage from the area should warrant medical attention.
  
  
• You should find out from your doctor when you last had a tetanus shot. If the wound was dirty, you should have one if it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus immunization. You should have this done within 48 hours of the injury.