Plano ER Tag

What Your Doctor Knows About Lacerations

Whether you’re fishing on your day off, enjoying a hobby, building something new, playing outside or even just preparing a meal, cuts, scrapes or lacerations can happen unexpectedly. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are experienced in treating wounds of all kinds and are standing by to help.

“When you experience a deep cut or laceration, or a scraped area of skin, the sooner you can get here, the better we are able to fight off infection that could be settling in the wound,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can treat it quickly and relatively painlessly. We use topical anesthetics to help reduce the sensation during treatment and we can make sure all the dirt and foreign bodies are removed properly before creating a proper seal.”

Do I need stitches?

When a laceration occurs, most people wonder whether or not they really need stitches. Sometimes it is very obvious that medical attention is needed, but other times it is not as clear. As a rule of thumb, if you can see layers of fat, muscle, tendons or bone in the wound, you will probably need stitches by a medical professional.

“Having one of our physicians treat your laceration can accomplish three things,” said Dr. Vora. “One: it will reduce the possibility of infection by properly sterilizing and sealing the wound. Two: it will stop severe bleeding. Three: it will speed healing by keeping the wound closed and stabilized. Treating a deep laceration at home is not advisable because of the risk of infection and inefficient healing. A wound may heal unevenly and leave a rough area that has reduced or deadened sensation.”

What about afterwards?

After you’ve received stitches, we can remove them in 5-14 days, depending on the location and size of the wound.

What about road rash, scratches or bites?

If your wound was caused by a skidding motion that peeled or scraped away a patch of skin, it is important to make sure all the dirt is removed from the area. “Scrapes or abrasions caused by falling off a bike or skidding across pavement are notoriously hard to clean at home,” said Dr. Vora. “Plus, they are extremely painful because they involve a large area of pain receptors. We can reduce the pain with topicals and can make sure all the dirt and gravel is removed to speed healing.”

If you had trouble with an animal and have scratches or bites, it is important to receive medical attention even if the wounds don’t appear to be too deep. Animal-related wounds are notorious for becoming infected, and a tetanus shot may be needed. Be prepared to identify the animal so your doctor can discover if there is a risk of rabies and so the animal can be contained, if necessary.

Do I need a Tetanus shot?

It is extremely important that you are up to date on your Tetanus booster anytime you experience a laceration or open wound. Tetanus is caused by bacteria and is almost always fatal if contracted through the skin. A Tetanus booster is usually good for 5-10 years.

If you don’t remember your last Tetanus shot, it’s crucial to get one in case of an open injury. At Medco ER, we can provide you a Tetanus booster in order to avoid a potentially deadly infection.

What to do on the way to the ER

Apply a clean cloth to the laceration and keep pressure on it to slow the bleeding. A gentle pinching pressure to pull the sides together could stem the bleeding on the way to Medco ER. Have someone else drive you so you can keep the wound elevated above the heart. If the wound is severe and blood loss is prominent, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest ER.

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

At Medco ER, we have the imaging equipment, IVs, labs and supplies needed to treat any lacerations or wounds that you or your loved ones may experience. We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available to speed you on your way to healing.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.

What’s the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?

As the heat index ramps up, you may find yourself rapidly overheating with your body unable to keep up with cooling and maintaining your core temperature. If you’re exercising, moving or working in the heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion and recognize if you’re in danger. When your body overheats, it might not be long before you need fast medical care. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians are capable to handling this condition very efficiently.

“Heat exhaustion—which can lead to the more serious heatstroke—is a preventable condition,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “That’s why it’s important to keep a close check on yourself during the high heat index days.”

Heat Exhaustion

The first stage in overheating of the human body is heat cramps, followed by heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when your body is no longer able to maintain a steady core temperature through the natural cooling process of sweating and heatevaporation. Heat cramps include muscle aches, thirst, fatigue and heavy sweating. It can be alleviated by drinking an electrolyte-balanced sports drink, or water, and resting.

Heat exhaustion follows untreated heat cramps and is a more serious condition, but is still preventable and also treatable.

            Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Cool, moist skin, possible goose bumps
• Heavy sweating
• Exhaustion
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Fainting
• Nausea
• Weak, rapid pulse or dizziness when standing

            Treatment for Heat Exhaustion

As with heat cramps, you will want to find a cool place to recover. Drink a sports drink or water and rest as your core temperature goes down. Do not drink alcohol. Try to cool your body with water, if possible. If your symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Heatstroke

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly degrade into the most serious heat-related illness called heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body reaches 104°. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause damage to the brain, organs and muscles. Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to permanent organ damage or death

            Symptoms of Heatstroke

• Change in sweating, possibly with skin becoming hot and dry
• Confusion, agitation, slurred speech
• Seizures or coma
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Red, flushed face and arms
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid, shallow heartbeat

            Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be treated at the ER with cooling procedures to safely bring the core body temperature down. An IV will administer the needed fluids to assist in lowering the body temperature. If you are assisting someone with a heat-related injury, have them drink water or a sports drink (not alcohol), get them to a cooler place and wet them down or place ice in a towel and apply it to head, neck, armpits and groin. Call 9-1-1 and transport them to the ER as soon as possible.

When to come to the ER with a heat injury

“Don’t hesitate to come in when you get overheated,” said Dr. Vora. “The sooner we can see you, the faster you will recover. If someone you know has symptoms of a heat injury and have become irrational or lost consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.”

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced lab and treatment modalities to treat any heat-related ailment. We can check your electrolyte levels—such as sodium and potassium—and immediately treat you with Intravenous (IV) fluids while keeping you comfortable in a cool and safe environment.

We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available. Our Little-to-No Wait service ensures you will be shown to your own room and can be seen by a board-certified emergency medicine physician within minutes. Before long, you may be on the way to recovering from the overexposure to heat.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000.