Different Types of Wounds and Wound Treatment
At Brentwood Medical Clinic, Dr. Ali Ghahary not only treats patients suffering from minor to complex health matters – he is also able to treat minor wounds.
An open wound occurs when there is an injury that involves the body tissue – typically affecting the skin. An open wound can result from sharp objects or tools (such as glass or knives), falls, or even from car accidents. Because wounds can range from minor to severe, they are classified into the following categories:
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Punctures
- Avulsions
An abrasion is the most minor of the four wound categories, and there is typically very little or no bleeding with this type of injury. However, you do need to take extra precautions to ensure the wound does not worsen as well as to avoid infection.
A puncture is a wound that is often caused by a sharp and/or pointy object – i.e. a needle or shard of glass, or even an animal bite. Similar to abrasions, punctures may not bleed much, but they can also cause deep enough damage to your internal organs depending on the area of the body that is affected. Even if you think your wound is not severe, Dr. Ali Ghahary still recommends being seen by a physician in order to prevent infection. In some cases, and depending on the severity of the wound, patients may also require a tetanus shot.
An avulsion is considered the most severe type of wound and is generally caused during major accidents to the body (i.e. serious motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, or even gunshot wounds.) With an avulsion, there may be partial or complete tearing of skin as well as the tissue located underneath. Avulsions often result in heavy and rapid bleeding and are considered medical emergencies.
How Are Wounds Treated?
Many wounds can be treated with some simple at-home first aid care. If you develop a wound, it is important to wash and disinfect the affected area in order to remove any dirt or debris. This helps to prevent infection. If bleeding is present, apply pressure to the affected area and make sure you keep it elevated to control the bleeding and reduce any swelling. Wounds should also be wrapped with a sterile dressing/bandage. As pain can also accompany wounds, you can find relief by taking over-the-counter acetaminophen. It is important to avoid NSAIDs as these can actually increase bleeding.
If your wound is severe, you may require treatment from a physician – either at a doctor’s office or in an emergency room. Signs you may need to see a medical professional include wounds that are deeper than half an inch and bleeding that lasts longer than 20 minutes or does not go away when pressure is applied.
