Types of Wounds

On this page you will learn some guidelines for various types of wounds. The sight of a bloody wound can be unpleasant to see whether it is you or someone else. It's a good idea to learn first aid in advance so that you will stay calm and take the proper action. Make sure that you keep a first aid kit handy and well stocked.




These Are Different Types Of Wounds To Be Aware Of:

Minor Cuts and Scrapes

Wash the cut or scrape (without scrubbing) with soap and water to remove any dirt or foreign materials that may cause an infected wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment, cover it with a sterile non-sticking dressing and bandage. Continue to wash the wound daily, applying antibiotic ointment and a sterile non-sticking dressing and bandage until it has completely healed.

Puncture Wounds

A puncture wound can be serious and may be caused by a sharp object, such as a nail, a screw or a needle. Because it can be a deep wound, it has a greater chance of becoming infected when the germ-laden object deeply penetrates the skin. This can also make it difficult to clean. An abscess can occur if the object penetrates the bone.

A nail penetrating through the sole of a tennis shoe can be very serious. Tennis shoes have foam in the soles which can harbor many types of bacteria causing wound infections. You will need to thoroughly clean and flush the area with water. The foot should be elevated and if there are any indications that the area could be infected, (swelling, redness, persistent pain, fever or pus) contact a doctor immediately. These indications of infection could apply to many types of wounds. To protect the area while healing, wear a clean sock and shoe.

Make sure you are up to date on your Tetanus shot.

Major Wounds

Apply constant pressure to a severely bleeding wound using a sterile dressing (if possible). Call 9-1-1. Until professional help arrives, hold a constant pressure on the wound for at least twenty minutes. Do not press directly on the wound if there is a foreign object in the wound, such as glass, but apply pressure along the wound area. Do not move the affected limb if you suspect any broken bones or dislocations. With a splint (if possible) immobilize the affected area. As soon as possible, dress the wound with a sterile non-sticking material and stay with the victim until professional help arrives.

First Aid Safety Tips:

• Contact a health professional immediately for large or open wounds.
  
  
• To close these wounds, surgical sutures may be required.
  
  
• Frequently check for possible signs of infection (redness, swelling, persistent pain, fever or pus).
  
  
• Keep a list of emergency numbers near all the phones in your home.
  
  
• With your family members, review first aid procedures on a regular basis.
  
  
• First aid kits should be kept well stocked in your home as well as your car and boat.

To Help Minimize Scaring

• Clean the wound with mild soap and water daily (for major wounds, check with your doctor).
  
  
• Keep the wound moist and to reduce the chance of infection, use an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) and keep bandaged at all times.
  
  
• Do not let the wound dry out or scab over.
  
  
• Continue to keep the wound moist until well healed to help prevent scaring.

According to our friend Bill, some doctors do not recommend keeping the wound moist because it can increase the chance of infection. Check with your doctor to see what he recommends.

Remember that these guidelines should not replace first aid training.





For More First Aid Safety Tips and Information:
Adult First Aid
Animal Bites
Child First Aid
First Aid For Burns

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