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Definition: Skin scraped against a rough surface, top layer of skin wears away then exposing numerous blood capillaries.

Initial Care: Gently clean the wound with mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. If debris remains, use clean tweezers to remove it. Apply a thin layer layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Cover the wound with a bandage or gauze to keep it clean.

Post Care: Change the dressing daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty. Do not pick at scabs; they protect the wound as it heals. Most abrasions heal in 3 to 7 days. Sutures are not necessary for abrasions

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Definition: A tear or cut in the skin, usually caused by a sharp object or blunt force, which can have straight or jagged edges. Minor lacerations may be treated at home, but deeper ones may require medical attention.

Initial Care: Control bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for 10-15 minutes. Elevate the wound above the heart if possible. Once bleeding stops, rinse the wound with water.

Post Care: Follow the instructions of the healthcare provider regarding stitches or staples. Take antibiotics if prescribed to prevent infection. Keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid soaking the wound in water. Do no pick at the wound or remove closure material on your own.

Referral/Sutures: Only for lacerations that are deep or have jagged, wide edges, won't stop bleeding after 15 minutes of direct pressure, expose muscle, fat or bone, is located on the face or near a joint.

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Definition: A deep wound caused by a sharp, pointed object that pierces the skin, like a nail or animal tooth. Puncture wounds oftern have small entry holes but carry a higher risk of infection because germs are carried deep into the tissue.

Initial Care: Do no remove a large, impale object. Leave it in place and seek immediate medical help. Apple gentle pressure to stop minor bleeding. Rinse the wound with clean water for several minutes. Do not scrub.

Post Care: Follow medical instructions, as antibiotics and a tetanus shot may be needed. Monitor the wound for signs of infection. Keep the wound covered and dry.

Referral/Sutures: All puncture wounds, especially if deep or caused by a dirty object or animal bite, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper cleaning and assessment of tetanus risk.

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Definition: An injury where a portion of the skin, and sometimes the underlying tissue, is partially or completely torn away. A common cause is a high-force impact, such as a motor vehicle accident.

Initial Care: This is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding. Elevate the injured area. If the torn tissue is detatched, rinse it gently with clean water or saline, wrap it in a damp cloth, place it in a plastic bag, bring it to the hospital with the patient.

Post Care: This will require professional medical management, like including sutures, reattatchment of the skin flap, or a skin graft. Follow all instructions from your healtcare provider, including taking antibiotics and limiting activity. Ongoing monitoring for complications is necessary.

Referrals/Sutures: Avulsions always require immediate medical attention. The wound cannot be properly treated at home.

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Wear personal protective equipment: wear gloves when in contact with the wound, and wear a mask and eye protection if there is a risk of splashing bodily fluids.

Hand Hygiene: wash hands thoroughly before and after treating a wound.

Use clean or sterile equipment: Use new, clean supplies for each person. Disinfect or discard reusable equipment after use.

Proper Waste Disposal: Place soiled dressings and other contaminated items in an appropriate receptacle.

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Increased or spreading redness: The area of redness expands over time instead of shrinking

Swelling: Increasing or persistent swelling around the wound

Pain: The pain worsens or does not improve

Warmth: The skin around the wound feels warm to touch

Unusual Drainage: Pus or foul smelling discharge comes from the wound

Fever or chills: A fever an indicate a more systemic infection

Red Streaks: Red streaks extending from the wound, especially up a limb, can indicate a serious infection of the lymphatic system

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Definition: Wounds with smooth edges

Initial Care: Keep it clean and dry, protect the wound with a bandage of some sort, control the pain and swelling, and try to minimize activity, keep limb elevated above heart to reduce pain and swelling.

Post Care: After the initial 24-48 hours, gently wash the area with mild soap and water 1-2 times daily. Apply thin layer of ointment to prevent infection and keep the area moist. Watch for infections and avoid soaking the wound until the sutures are removed.

Referrals/Sutures: Contact a healthcare provider or get a referral to a wound care specialist if there are signs of infection, wound issues, impaired function, non-healing wounds, or underlying conditions. Most incision wounds need sutures, the amount of time needed may vary depending on how deep and bad the wound is.