Wound

A wound is a break or damage to the skin or underlying tissues caused by injury, cuts, surgery, or disease. Their severity and depth influence their treatment and healing process.

Types of wounds

1. Open wound:

An open wound occurs when the skin or mucous membrane is broken, exposing deeper tissues. Its common causes include accidents, sharp objects, and surgical procedures.

• Abrasion Wound: A partially thick wound caused by friction against a rough surface, scraping away the top layer of the skin. Example: falling on concrete.
• Laceration Wound: It is the type of wound that tears skin from sharp objects like a knife, broken glass, or blunt from trauma, potentially muscles or blood vessels.
• Puncture wound: A small but deep wound caused by a nail, needle, or animal bite. It may not bleed much but can cause internal tissue damage and infection.
• Avulsion: A severe wound where a portion of skin, tissue, or even an organ is forcibly torn away due to high-impact trauma such as car accidents, animal bites, or severe falls.

Treatment for open wounds:

• Stop the bleeding: Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth.
• Clean the wound: Rinse with clean water to remove dirt and debris.
• Apply antiseptic: Use antiseptic solutions to prevent infection.
• Cover the wound: Use a sterile bandage to protect the wound.
• Seek medical help:
• If the wound is deep or worsening
• If an infection appears, such as redness, swelling, and pus
• If deep wounds require a tetanus shot.

2. Closed wound:

A closed wound does not break the skin but damages underlying tissue.

• Bruise (Contusion): It is mainly caused by blunt force trauma, leading to broken blood vessels under the skin. It results in discoloration like red, purple, blue, or yellow as it heals.
• Hematoma: A severe bruise where a large amount of blood collects under the skin, which forms painful lumps and swelling.

Treatment of bruises and hematomas

Use the R.I.C.E Method:

• Rest: Avoid putting pressure on the injured area.
• Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Compression: Wrap with an elastic bandage to minimize swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the injured area raised to reduce blood pooling.

Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort.

When to seek medical help?

• Fever or chills.
• Pain worsening instead of improving.
• Redness, swelling, or pus around the wound.
• Unusual odor from the wound.
• Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure.