Almost everyone experiences an open wound at some point in life; it is an internal or external break in the body tissue. Some open wounds may not be worse and can be treated at home. However, in some cases, such as car accidents, falls, and collisions with sharp objects are a bit serious, you should consider seeking immediate treatment in skin cancer surgery wound care. Probably if the bleeding exceeds, or else bleeding too much. However, the following are four types of wounds classified according to their causes;
- Puncture – this is a tiny hole caused by a pointy, long object such as a needle, bullet, or a nail; it is useful to get a prevention infection and tetanus shot if you have any strange small hole, since punctures may not bleed a lot. Still, they can be deep enough to damage your internal organs.
- Laceration — this is tearing of the skin or deep but usually caused by tools, machinery, or knives at some points lacerations bleeding can be extensive and rapid.
- Avulsion – an avulsion is a complete or partial tearing from the tissue beneath and skin; they bleed and heavily since they occur during explosions, gunshots, and violent accidents.
Besides, the following guide assists on how to treat minor wounds at home; use direct elevation and pressure to control swelling and to bleed, disinfect, and wash the wound to remove debris and dirt. Some small wounds may heal on their own, consider keeping, then dry and clean for around five days, or else wrap the wound using a sterile bandage. Avoid aspirin to prevent continuous bleeding instead use acetaminophen when the injury is painful; if you have swelling or bruising, you may apply ice and ensure to get plenty of rest.
As a result, consider seeking medical attention if the bleeding lasts longer and doesn’t stop with elevation, deep open wound than ½ inch, or bleeding, which results in a severe accident. Also, you may have infections if the injury is yellow, brown pus, or thick green, exceeds in drainage, and discharges with a foul odor, tender lump in the armpit or groin, high fever, or else the has taken a long time and yet isn’t healing. Visit skin cancer surgery wound care if you experience such results to heal wounds.
In some critical cases, surgery is needed to remove infected tissue and the surrounding one sometimes. Some conditions develop from open wounds include cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and lockjaw. The doctor will debride or drain the wound and prescribe for an antibiotic if the bacterial infection develops; depending on the potential of the disease and location of the injury, the doctor can decide not to close it and let it heal by secondary intention or naturally. This process makes someone to pack the wound with gauze since it prevents the formation of abscesses and infection.
However, the doctor may use different ways to treat the open wound after numbing the area and cleaning. He or she may close that wound using stitches, sutures, or skin glue. The severed body parts should be taken to the hospital for possible reattachment but make sure you pack the body part in the ice and wrap it in moist gauze. You might have dressings and bandages when leaving the medical treatment; it is essential to work a clean surface when changing them, dry and disinfect the open wound thoroughly before doing a dressing and lastly, dispose of the old bandages and dressings in plastic bags.
Finally, whether the wound is more severe or minor, consider seeking quick action, visit skin cancer surgery wound care to avoid risk for infection or complications, and receive appropriate treatment.