Common Types of Wounds
 

• Abrasion — Superficial scraping of the skin.

• Laceration — A cut or tear in the skin.

• Puncture wound — A small opening caused by an object penetrating deeper into the tissue.

• Avulsion — Skin or tissue is partially or completely torn away.

• Pressure injury — Skin and deeper tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure, often over a bony area.

• Ulcer — An open wound that may result from poor circulation, diabetes, pressure, or other chronic conditions.

Basic Wound Care
 

For most minor wounds:
 

1. Control bleeding with direct pressure.

2. Clean the wound with clean running water or saline and remove visible debris when possible.

3. Clean the surrounding skin with soap and water.

4. Apply an appropriate wound dressing to maintain a moist healing environment.

5. Change it when wet, dirty, or as directed.

Hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and other harsh antiseptics generally should not be repeatedly applied inside an open wound, because they can damage healing tissue.

When Are Stitches or Other Closure Needed?
 

Some wounds may require sutures, staples, tissue adhesive, or adhesive strips, particularly when they are:
 

• Deep or widely separated

• Continually bleeding

• Located in cosmetically important areas

• Large enough that the edges do not remain together

• Associated with deeper tissue injury

​

Tetanus vaccination

Tetanus vaccination status should be reviewed after wounds to prevent tetanus caused by a bacteria. A booster may be needed depending on the type of wound (dirty or deep) and time since the last tetanus-containing vaccine (x>5 years).

​

Signs of Infection

​

• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling

• Increasing pain

• Pus or cloudy drainage

• Fever

• Red streaking from the wound

• Worsening rather than improving symptoms

Wounds That Need Prompt Evaluation

​

• Animal or human bites

• Deep puncture wounds

• Heavily contaminated wounds

• Wounds containing a foreign object

• Crush injuries

• Significant burns

• Wounds over joints, tendons, nerves, or major blood vessels

• Loss of movement or sensation

• Persistent bleeding despite direct pressure

• Wounds with exposed bone, tendon, or other deep structures

• Wounds in people with poor circulation, diabetes, or impaired healing

• Chronic wounds that are not healing

​