Scalp laceration repair without prior hair removal

The effect on the infection rate of hair removal prior to scalp laceration repair has not been studied prospectively in the outpatient setting. Concern exists that not removing skin hair may lead to an increased incidence of serious wound infections. Sixty-eight scalp lacerations were repaired without hair removal and examined prospectively for infection. No infections were noted at 5-day follow-up. The mean patient age was 21.8 +/- 19.8 years, and the mean laceration length was 2.5 +/- 2.0 cm. The mean time from injury to repair of laceration was 2.2 +/- 2.8 hours. Sixty-three lacerations (92.7%) were repaired within 3 hours of injury. A prospective, randomized study in a select patient population to examine the effect of prior hair removal on infection rate is warranted.