Definition: An abrasion is a superficial wound caused by the skin rubbing against a rough surface, such as road rash.

Initial Care:

1. Wash hands or use gloves to prevent contamination.

2. Gently clean the wound with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.

3. Apply an antiseptic to prevent infection.

4. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

Post-Care:

• Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet/dirty.

• Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.

• Referral is rarely needed unless the wound is large or shows signs of infection.

  
  

  Signs of Infection:

  • The wound becomes increasingly red and swollen.

  • The area around the abrasion feels warm to the touch.

  • Yellow or green pus oozing from the wound.

  • A scab that turns dark or begins to smell.

  • Increased pain that doesn't subside over time.

Definition: A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin caused by sharp objects like knives or glass.

Initial Care:

1. Apply pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding.

2. Clean the wound with sterile water or saline.

3. Cover with a sterile bandage or dressing.

Post-Care:

• For deep lacerations, seek medical attention for sutures or adhesive strips.

• Monitor for infection and follow up if redness or swelling occurs.

• Ensure tetanus shots are up to date.

  
  

  Signs of Infection:

  • Persistent bleeding that transitions to excessive redness around the wound edges.

  • Pus or cloudy discharge from the cut.

  • Swelling that worsens instead of reducing.

  • Fever or general malaise (signs that the infection is systemic).

  • Red streaks radiating from the wound (a sign of lymphangitis).

Definition: An avulsion is a wound where the skin or tissue is torn away from the body, often due to accidents or animal bites.

Initial Care:

1. Stop bleeding with firm pressure and a sterile cloth.

2. Preserve any detached skin or tissue in clean, damp cloth and place it in a sealed bag on ice if reattachment is possible.

3. Cover the wound with sterile gauze and seek immediate medical attention.

Post-Care:

• Surgery or sutures are often required.

• Follow-up care includes monitoring for infection and proper wound dressing.

  
  

  Signs of Infection:

  • Extreme redness, especially around the torn edges of the skin.

  • A foul odor coming from the wound site.

  • The area around the wound feels hard or hot.

  • A delay in healing or worsening of the wound's appearance.

  • Fever, chills, or signs of sepsis (in severe infections).

Definition: Burn wounds result from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation damaging the skin. They can be classified as first, second, or third-degree burns.

Initial Care:

1. Cool the burn under running water for 10-20 minutes.

2. Do not apply ice directly or burst blisters.

3. Cover with a clean, non-stick dressing.

Post-Care:

• First-degree burns usually heal without further treatment.

• For second/third-degree burns, seek medical attention for debridement or skin grafting.

• Monitor for infection and apply prescribed ointments.

  
  

  Signs of Infection:

  • The burn site develops a green or yellow discharge.

  • Blisters that burst and form scabs that smell or darken abnormally.

  • Worsening redness around the burn area.

  • Increased pain or tenderness in what appeared to be a healing burn.

  • Systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or fatigue.