What should I do in case of a wound?

Posted by pacificmedical on November 21st, 2018

Wounds can be several types. While minor wounds would heal on their own with little care, major ones may need urgent medical attention to prevent further damage. You should be able to understand the difference, in case you or a loved one is wounded and especially, if you have children or seniors at home. Appropriate wound management can also help to prevent complications.

Wounds can be 2 types –

• Non-penetrating wounds do not break through the skin and typically result from blunt trauma or friction. These include –

o   Abrasions – the outer layer of skin is scraped

o   Contusions – swollen bruises as a result of accumulation of blood and dead cells under skin

o   Concussions – damage to the underlying organs and tissues on the head but no significant external wound

• Penetrating wounds cause a break through the skin and the damage reaches the underlying tissues and organs. These include –

o   Stab wounds – trauma from sharp objects, such as knives

o   Skin cuts

o   Surgical wounds – as a result of a surgery

o   Gunshot wounds – due to firearms

• Miscellaneous wounds include –

o   Thermal wounds caused due to extreme hot or cold temperatures

o   Chemical wounds due to contact with or inhalation of chemicals

o   Bites/stings from humans, animals, insects etc.

o   Electrical wounds due to the passage of high-voltage electrical currents through the body

Common Wound Complications

Left untreated, wound may turn worse, for example –

• Infections – signs of an infected wound include pus drainage, foul odor, fever, dull throbbing pain, mild swelling and warmth at wound site
• Inflammation - inflamed wounds appear hot, red, painful and swollen
• Scarring can occur when the regenerated cells and fibrous tissue that heal the wound, leave a scar behind
• Many wounds can become life-threatening if a major tissue or organ is damaged

Wound Care

Minor cuts and scrapes usually do not require an ER visit. You can call for a house call doctor to visit you and provide wound care and management.

In case of a minor wound, any bleeding should stop quickly and spontaneously. If that doesn’t happen, you can elevate the affected area and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.

Cleaning the wound is important, so rinse out the wound with clear water. If dirt or debris remains in the wound, seek a doctor’s help immediately.

If the bleeding continues, seek immediate medical assistance. In cases where the wound is deep or gaping or has signs of muscle or bone protruding, you need to seek urgent medical attention.

If you are looking for wound care, 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!