What to do in Case of a Wound?

Posted by pacificmedical on July 10th, 2018

Wounds can occur due to several reasons – falls, cuts and scrapes, sports injuries and more – can all cause wounds. But all wounds are not alike. This is why it is important to know the difference so that you can seek proper treatment.

Non-penetrating Wounds

Non-penetrating wounds do not break through the skin and may result from a blunt trauma or rubbing/friction with other surfaces. These types of wounds include –

• Abrasions or scraping – the skin’s outer layer is scraped off
• Lacerations – wounds that are like tears in the skin
• Contusions – bruises that become swollen due to accumulation of blood and dead cells under the skin
• Concussions – no significant external wound but damage to the underlying tissues and organs; on the head

Penetrating Wounds

Penetrating wounds break through the skin and reach internal tissues and organs. Such wounds may be –

• Stab wounds – trauma due to sharp objects, such as a knife
• Skin cuts
• Surgical wounds – incisions done to perform surgical procedures
• Gunshot wounds from firearms

Other Wounds

This is another group of wounds that include –

• Thermal wounds – wounds due to extreme heat or cold
• Chemical wounds – wounds that result from contact with chemicals
• Bites/stings – wound bite or sting of an animal, insect or another organism
• Electrical wounds – wounds that occur due to the passage of high-voltage electrical currents through the body

Wound Complications

If not treated properly, wounds may develop complications, such as –

• Infections with pus drainage, foul odor, fever, dull throbbing pain, mild swelling and warmth at the site of the wound
• Inflammation of the wound can cause it to become hot, red, painful, swollen and hard to move.
• As the wound heals, the regenerated cells and fibrous tissue can leave a scar behind.
• Many wounds can be disabling if a vital blood vessel, nerve or major organ is damaged.

What can you do directly in case of a wound?

While minor cuts and scrapes do not usually require urgent care, it is important to stop the bleeding.

• If the bleeding does not stop on its own, apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage. Hold the pressure for 20 to 30 minutes and elevate the wound, if possible.

• If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek urgent medical care or call a mobile doctor.

• After wound care from your doctor, it is important to change the dressing, as advised by your doctor.

• Your doctor may have to stitch deep wounds if the wound is deep, gaping or fat/muscle is protruding from the wound. See your doctor if the wound is not healing or if there are any signs of infection.

• Get a tetanus shot. If your wound is deep or dirty and your last shot was more than 5 years ago, you need to get it again.

If you are looking for primary care doctors, pain management doctors or house call doctors in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at 619-333-8114 Today. All you have to do is make a phone call and the doctor will be at your doorstep within a short while!