Wound Care Guide
By Carter Denny
The Types of Wounds
There are 5 different types of wounds: abrasion, incision, laceration, puncture, and avulsion.
Abrasion
A minor wound caused when the skin is scraped against a rough surface. Abrasion wounds are often exposed to dirt and foreign materials, so the risk of infection increases. Usually results in the least amount of bleeding.
Laceration
A deep wound caused by a sharp object cutting through the skin. It is similar to an incision with the one distinct difference that it has jagged edges.
Incision
Another deep wound caused by a sharp object cutting through the skin. Very similar to a laceration, but its edges are smooth not jagged
Puncture
A very serious wound that involves a foreign object penetrating the skin. It is especially dangerous because of the potential for tetatnus bacillus to enter the bloodstream.
Avulsion
Another very serious wound in which skin is torn from the body. This wound involves major bleeding and immense pain. The avulsed tissue should be placed in gauze, in a plastic bag, in cold water, and be taken to a hospital for reattachment
Treatment
- Step one is to always put on gloves
- Step two is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure, elevating the wound, and using the pressure points
- step three is to clean the wounds to reduce the chance of infection
- step four(if stitches aren't required) is to wrap the wound with a bandage, or other wrapping
Stitches
Stitches are mostly used to repair lacerations, incisions, and sometimes punctures. The wound has to be deep enough that it's too difficult to repair without them. Ultimately the decision is made by the physician, and stitches must be used within twelve hours. Steri strips can be used if stitches aren't required.
Infections
There are five signs of wound infections and they are:
- pain
- heat
- redness
- swelling
- disordered function