Prophylactic Use of Antibiotics for Through and Through Lacerations of the Lip

Facial lacerations are a commonly encountered problem in the emergency department. Despite this, few original articles have been written concerning the management of lacerations of the lip which communicate with the oral cavity. Specifically, no study has been able to definitively show whether the use of antibiotics for these wounds decreases the infection rate. These cutaneous wounds are a unique type of laceration because they are continuously contaminated with oropharyngeal flora. Contaminated wounds result in larger, less cosmetic scars. Scars which involve the face have been shown to have a negative psychological impact. In this study, the investigators aim to determine whether the use of antibiotics decrease the rate of infection in lacerations of the lip which communicate with the oral cavity. Patients will be randomized to one of two currently practiced therapies. Patients will receive either cephalexin or no treatment following the repair of their through-and-through lip lacerations to determine whether antibiotics decrease the infection rate in these wounds.