Wounds

Alternative names:

cut - wound; laceration; open wound

Definition:

A physical injury that results in an opening or break of the skin.

Considerations:

All wounds need first aid (and medical attention if the wound is serious) in order to ensure proper healing and to avoid infection.

Always wash your hands with soap before and after giving first aid in order to avoid infection.

The following types of wounds are more likely to become infected: bites, punctures, crushing injuries, dirty wounds, wounds on the feet, and wounds that do not receive prompt medical attention.

Symptoms of a local infection include:

• heat in the area
• a painful or throbbing sensation
• swelling of the tissues in the area
• pus-like drainage
• redness around the wound

A local skin infection should be kept clean and dry, and an antibiotic cream or ointment applied (these are available over the counter). If the treatment is ineffective, or there is no treatment, a local skin infection could become a skin abscess.

Causes:

• cuts (lacerations)
• embedded objects
• fishhooks
• punctures
• scrapes
• splinters
• tears
• zippers