Cuts: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Has a cut removed all the layers of skin (avulsion injury)?

See significance of avulsion injury if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has the full tip of a finger or toe been cut off and bone is visible?

Yes

Have all the layers of the skin been removed (avulsion injury) in an area that is or larger in diameter?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have all the layers of skin of the tip of a finger or toe been removed in an area that is less than in diameter?

Yes

Have all the layers of skin over a joint been removed?

Yes

Do you have a cut that opens or increases in size when you move?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

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Last updated:	June 30, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer