Wounds by Seppi Marsigli _ Student - PineHollowMS

Abrasions

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:05:20 UTC

Definition: An abrasion is a wound caused by skin rubbing against a rough surface, removing the outer skin layers.
Initial Care: Clean gently with water, remove dirt/debris, apply antiseptic.
Post-Care: Cover with a sterile dressing; change bandage daily. Usually heals without referral, but seek medical care if it covers a large area or shows infection.

Laceration

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:06:45 UTC

Definition: A laceration is a tear in the skin caused by blunt trauma or sharp objects. It may be jagged or smooth.
Initial Care: Control bleeding with direct pressure, clean wound, cover with sterile dressing.
Post-Care: Small lacerations may heal with simple dressing; deeper ones often require sutures within 6–8 hours. Refer to physician if bleeding won’t stop or wound edges are wide apart

Puncture Wound

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:07:17 UTC

Definition: A puncture wound is caused by a pointed object piercing the skin (e.g., nail, needle, animal bite).
Initial Care: Wash gently with clean water, avoid scrubbing. Do not remove large embedded objects; stabilize instead. Control bleeding.
Post-Care: High risk of infection—refer to a physician. Tetanus shot may be needed. May require antibiotics. Sutures are usually not used because they trap bacteria.

Avulsion

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:08:04 UTC

Definition: An avulsion is when skin and tissue are torn away, sometimes leaving a flap.
Initial Care: Control bleeding with firm pressure, save torn tissue in moist sterile gauze (in plastic bag, kept cool).
Post-Care: Always requires medical attention. May need sutures or even surgery to reattach tissue.

Incision

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:08:41 UTC

Definition: An incision is a clean, straight wound caused by a sharp object or surgical tool.
Initial Care: Apply direct pressure to stop bleeding, clean wound, and cover with sterile bandage.
Post-Care: Depending on depth, may require sutures. Refer if more than ½ inch deep or edges don’t close.

Universal Procedures

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:09:22 UTC

Gloves on, hands washed, treat all blood as infectious, dispose of sharps properly, clean surfaces, and report exposures.

What to look for

srmarsigli — 2025-10-07 15:10:35 UTC

Redness around the wound
Swelling or puffiness
Warmth at the site
Increased pain that doesn’t improve
Pus or drainage (yellow/green, bad smell)
Slow healing or getting worse over time
Fever or feeling sick
Red streaks spreading from the wound (serious sign)