What is an open wound?

An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving the skin. Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their life. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated at home.

Falls, accidents with sharp objects, and car accidents are the most common causes of open wounds. In the case of a serious accident, you should seek immediate medical care. This is especially true if there’s a lot of bleeding or if bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes.

There are four types of open wounds, which are classified depending on their cause.

Abrasion

Anabrasionoccurs when your skin rubs or scrapes against a rough or hard surface. Road rash is an example of an abrasion. There’s usually not a lot of bleeding, but the wound needs to be scrubbed and cleaned to avoid infection.

Laceration

裂伤是深挖或撕裂你的皮肤. Accidents with knives, tools, and machinery are frequent causes of lacerations. In the case of deep lacerations, bleeding can be rapid and extensive.

Puncture

A puncture is a small hole caused by a long, pointy object, such as a nail or needle. Sometimes, a bullet can cause apuncture wound.

Punctures may not bleed much, but these wounds can be deep enough to damage internal organs. If you have even a small puncture wound, visit your doctor to get atetanus shotand prevent infection.

Avulsion

An扯开is a partial or complete tearing away of skin and the tissue beneath. Avulsions usually occur during violent accidents, such as body-crushing accidents, explosions, and gunshots. They bleed heavily and rapidly.

Some wounds may be treated at home and others may require a trip to your doctor for a medical approach.

Home care for minor wounds

Minor wounds can be treated at home. First, wash and disinfect the wound to remove all dirt and debris. Use direct pressure and elevation to control bleeding and swelling.

When wrapping the wound, always use a sterile dressing or bandage. Very minor wounds may heal without a bandage. You’ll need to keep the wound clean and dry for five days. You should also make sure you get plenty of rest.

Pain typically accompanies a wound. You can takeacetaminophen (Tylenol)as directed on the package. Avoid products with aspirin since they can cause or prolong bleeding.

Apply iceif you havebruisingorswelling, and avoidpicking at scabs. If you’re spending time outdoors, use a sunscreen that’ssun protection factor (SPF)30 on the area until it’s completely healed.

When to see a doctor

Although you can treat some wounds at home, you should see a doctor if:

  • an open wound is deeper than 1/2 inch
  • 出血doesn’t stop with direct pressure
  • 出血lasts longer than 20 minutes
  • 出血is the result of a serious accident

Medical treatments

Your doctor may use different techniques to treat your open wound. After cleaning and possibly numbing the area, your doctor may close the wound using skin glue,sutures, orstitches. You may receive atetanus shotif you have a puncture wound.

Depending on the location of your wound and the potential for infection, your doctor may not close the wound and let it heal naturally. This is known as healing by secondary intention, meaning from the base of the wound to the superficialepidermis.

This process may require you to pack your wound with gauze. Although the healing may not look pretty, it preventsinfectionand the formation ofabscesses.

Another treatment for an open wound includespain medication. Your doctor may also prescribe penicillin or anotherantibioticif there’s an infection or high risk for developing an infection. In some cases, you may need surgery.

If a body part is severed, it should be brought to the hospital for possible reattachment. Wrap the body part in moist gauze and pack it in ice.

When you leave the doctor’s office, you might have bandages and dressings. It’s important to wash your hands and work on a clean surface when changing bandages and dressings.

Disinfect and dry the wound thoroughly before dressing it again. Dispose of old dressings and bandages in plastic bags.

The main complication of an open wound is the risk for infection. Call your doctor immediately if you’ve had a puncture, deep laceration, or serious accident and you’re showing signs of significant出血或感染。

Signs of hemorrhage include continuous bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure. You may have an infection if the wound shows:

  • an increase in drainage
  • thick green, yellow, or brownpus
  • pus with a foul odor

Other signs of infection include:

  • afeverof over 100.4°F (38°C) for more than four hours
  • a tender lump in yourgroinorarmpit
  • a wound that isn’t healing

Your doctor will drain or debride the wound and often prescribe an antibiotic if bacterial infection develops. In serious cases, you may need surgery to remove infected tissue and sometimes the surrounding tissue as well.

Conditions that can develop from an open wound include:

Whether you have a minor or a more serious open wound, it’s important to take quick action. Some open wounds can be treated at home, but this isn’t always the case.

You need medical attention if you have a deep cut or if you’re bleeding a lot. This ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment and reduces your risk for complications and infection.