wound care-signs and symptoms & home care

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Wound Care

Wound Care Signs and Symptoms

* Scrapes and abrasions are superficial (on the surface). The deeper

skin layers are intact, and bleeding is more of a slow ooze. They are

usually caused by friction or rubbing against an abrasive surface.

* <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/6076-1.asp> Lacerations

(cuts) go through all layers of the skin and into the fat or deeper tissues.

Bleeding may be more brisk or severe. Severe blows by a blunt object, falls

against a hard surface, or contact with a sharp object are the most common

causes of lacerations.

* <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/16084-1.asp> Puncture

wounds are generally caused by a sharp pointed object entering the skin.

Most common examples are stepping on a nail, getting stuck with a needle or

a tack, or being stabbed with a knife. Bleeding is usually minimal, and the

wound may be barely noticeable.

Wound Care

Home Care

Scrapes and abrasions often do not require any more care than washing the

area 4 times daily for the first 48 hours and keeping the area covered with

a sterile bandage. Deeper wounds and bites will require medical attention.

* Stop the bleeding: If bleeding will not stop, apply a clean bandage

to the area and press down on it for 10 minutes.

* Clean the wound: Water under pressure is the best way to clean a

wound. Either a briskly running faucet or a hand-held shower nozzle is the

best way to wash a wound. The wound should be washed for 10-15 minutes. Make

sure you remove all dirt and debris. Do not scrub deep wounds or bites, just

wash them out.

* Check when you last had a tetanus shot.

* <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/4805-1.asp> Human bites

and <http://www.emedicinehealth.com/articles/4783-1.asp> animal bites can

be puncture wounds, lacerations, or a combination of both. These wounds are

always contaminated by saliva and require extra care.

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