Wounds range from minor cuts and abrasions to serious deep injuries and life threatening traumatic wounds. Many acute wounds can be treated using a first aid kit, while others require urgent medical attention.
Knowing how to identify different types of wounds and provide the appropriate first aid response can improve outcomes for the injured person. In this article, we explain what are the types of wounds, common causes and how to treat them.
What is a wound?
A wound is damage or breakage in the surface of the skin. Wounds can be classified as open wounds or closed wounds.
- An open wound is any type of wound that exposes internal tissue to the external environment.
- A closed wound is where the skin tissue stays intact and the underlying tissue isn’t exposed.
Wounds can be acute or chronic.
- Acute wounds are expected to heal in the normal way without complication.
- Chronic wounds become stuck in the inflammatory phase of the healing process and can take a long time to heal.
What are the types of wounds?
Abrasion
An abrasion is caused when the skin breaks due to rubbing against a rough surface. Abrasions range from mild to severe.
- A mild abrasion doesn’t bleed and only affects the top layer of the skin. These are often called scrapes or grazes.
- Second-degree abrasions affect the second layer of the skin and may bleed.
- Severe abrasions can result in skin and underlying tissue lifting away. This is called an avulsion.
First aid treatment for abrasions includes:
- Clean the wound with lukewarm water.
- If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a sterile cloth.
- Apply an antiseptic ointment once bleeding stops and cover with a clean bandage or gauze. Minor wounds that don’t bleed can be left uncovered.
- Change the dressing once a day and watch for signs of infection.
Avulsion
An avulsion is when the skin and underlying tissue are torn away completely or partially. Avulsion wounds are usually caused by violent accidents such as explosions, animal bites and body-crushing accidents.
Avulsions often cause severe bleeding and pain. They may damage nervous tissue which can affect the patient’s pain levels. Avulsions are particularly vulnerable to infection and almost always require professional medical attention.
First aid tips for avulsions:
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to the wound to control bleeding.
- Only use a tourniquet if the bleeding does not stop and emergency help will take a long time to arrive. Learn more about when to apply a tourniquet.
- Skin flaps and tissue flaps that are still attached can be replaced over the wound. Detached tissue should be collected if possible and given to medical personnel.
Laceration
A laceration is a tear or cut in the skin caused by a sharp object. Knife injuries, cuts from broken glass and accidents with tools and equipment are common causes of lacerations.
Minor lacerations can be treated at home, however deep wounds usually need professional treatment. Stitches may be necessary if the wound is deep, wide or won’t stop bleeding.
First aid tips for lacerations:
- Apply direct pressure to the wound and elevate the affected area to control bleeding.
- Wounds that stop bleeding should be cleaned with warm water.
- Deep or wide lacerations may require stitches to aid with wound healing. Wound closures such as butterfly closure strips may also be appropriate.
- Antiseptic ointment and an adhesive wound dressing can be used for minor wounds.
- Get medical help if the laceration is deep, won’t stop bleeding or is showing the signs of infection.
Puncture
A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a pointed object such as a nail, needle or animal tooth. Puncture wounds may not bleed a lot, but they can damage internal organs if they are deep. Some gunshot wounds are punctures.
A puncture wound is vulnerable to becoming infected and should always be examined by a medical professional. First aid should be applied in the meantime.
First aid for puncture wounds:
- Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound.
- Don’t attempt to remove any objects that remain in the wound – wait for professional help.
- A tetanus shot or other vaccines may be required if the wound was caused by an animal bite or a rusty object.
Surgical wounds and incisions
Surgical wounds are cuts or incisions in the skin made during surgery. They are often closed up using sutures, but sometimes they are left open to heal.
Surgical wound healing can usually be managed at home, but more serious wounds may require frequent check ups with a doctor. Keeping wound dressings clean is important. You should also look out for signs of infection such as redness, swelling and pus.
What are the types of wounds vulnerable to infection?
Proper wound care is important for healing. Sometimes the healing process can be interrupted by an infection.
All types of wounds can develop an infection, however wounds caused by contaminated objects or animal bites tend to be more susceptible. A person may be at higher risk of infection if they have diabetes, are overweight, are older or have a compromised immune system.
A wound infection occurs when harmful microorganisms multiply within the broken skin. It can sometimes cause an acute wound to become a chronic wound.
The signs and symptoms of an infection wound include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Hot to touch
- Yellow or green discharge
- Increased pain
- Fever or nausea
The best way to prevent wound infection is to keep the wound site and surrounding skin clean. Antiseptic liquid is often used to protect wounds from harmful bacteria. Choosing the appropriate dressing and refreshing it regularly is also important.
An infected wound should be treated with medical supervision. A doctor can advise the best way to dress and clean wounds. They may also prescribe antibiotic ointments or tablets to help fight the infection.
First aid supplies for wounds
Wounds can occur at unexpected times. It’s important to be prepared to handle the situation, whether you’re dealing with minor cuts or traumatic wounds.
LFA First Response stocks a wide range of medical supplies and wholesale medical equipment for safe and effective wound care. Whether you need a basic dressing pack for your workplace or a more specialised first aid kits, our friendly customer service team can help.
Place an order online or call us today on 1800 681 544 to see how we can help.
