What are the key differences between cuts and lacerations. How can you effectively treat minor lacerations at home. When should you seek professional medical care for a laceration.

What Exactly is a Laceration?

A laceration is a type of wound characterized by a tear or irregular opening in the skin. Unlike clean-cut incisions, lacerations typically have jagged edges and are caused by blunt force trauma or sharp objects. These wounds can vary greatly in size, depth, and severity.

Key features of lacerations include:

• Irregular, torn edges
• Possible damage to underlying tissues
• Bleeding ranging from minor to severe
• Potential for infection if not properly treated

Do all lacerations require medical attention? Not necessarily. Minor lacerations can often be treated effectively at home, while deeper or more complex wounds may require professional medical care.

Distinguishing Between Cuts and Lacerations

While the terms “cut” and “laceration” are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two:

Cuts

Cuts typically refer to minor skin injuries caused by sharp objects. They generally have the following characteristics:

• Clean, straight edges
• Superficial damage to the skin
• Minimal bleeding
• Can usually be treated at home

Lacerations

Lacerations, on the other hand, tend to be more severe:

• Irregular, jagged edges
• Potential damage to deeper tissues
• More significant bleeding
• May require medical attention or stitches

Is it possible for a cut to become a laceration? In some cases, yes. A seemingly minor cut that is deep or located in a sensitive area may be classified as a laceration and require more comprehensive treatment.

Identifying the Signs and Symptoms of Lacerations

Recognizing a laceration is crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment. Common signs and symptoms include:

1. Visible tear or opening in the skin
2. Irregular edges around the wound
3. Bleeding, which may range from minor to severe
4. Pain or discomfort at the site of injury
5. Possible exposure of underlying tissues (muscle, fat, or bone)

Can lacerations occur without immediate pain? In some cases, yes. Adrenaline and shock can temporarily mask pain, so it’s important to visually inspect any suspected wounds.

Proper Treatment Techniques for Minor Lacerations

For minor lacerations that don’t require immediate medical attention, follow these steps:

1. Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding
3. Rinse the wound with clean, cool water
4. Gently clean around the wound with mild soap
5. Apply an antibiotic ointment
6. Cover with a sterile bandage or gauze
7. Change the dressing daily or when it becomes wet or dirty

How long should you continue treating a minor laceration at home? Monitor the wound for 48-72 hours. If signs of infection appear or healing doesn’t progress, consult a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Professional Medical Care

While many lacerations can be treated at home, certain situations require professional medical attention:

• Deep wounds that may require stitches
• Wounds with excessive bleeding that won’t stop
• Injuries caused by rusty or dirty objects
• Animal or human bites
• Wounds on the face, hands, or genitals
• Injuries that expose muscle, fat, or bone
• Signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)

Should you attempt to close a deep laceration yourself? No, deep lacerations should be evaluated and treated by a medical professional to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Understanding the Healing Process of Lacerations

The healing process for lacerations typically progresses through several stages:

1. Hemostasis: Blood clotting to stop bleeding
2. Inflammation: The body’s natural response to injury
3. Proliferation: Formation of new tissue
4. Remodeling: Strengthening and refinement of the new tissue

How long does it take for a laceration to heal completely? The timeline varies depending on the severity of the wound, but most lacerations heal within 2-4 weeks. However, the remodeling phase can continue for up to a year.

Factors Affecting Healing Time

Several factors can influence how quickly a laceration heals:

• Depth and size of the wound
• Location on the body
• Age and overall health of the individual
• Proper wound care and hygiene
• Nutrition and hydration

Can certain medications impact laceration healing? Yes, some medications, such as blood thinners or steroids, may slow the healing process. Always inform your healthcare provider of any medications you’re taking.

Preventing Complications from Lacerations

Proper care and attention are essential to prevent complications from lacerations. Common complications include:

• Infection
• Scarring
• Delayed healing
• Reopening of the wound

To minimize the risk of complications:

1. Keep the wound clean and dry
2. Change dressings regularly
3. Avoid picking at scabs
4. Protect the wound from further injury
5. Follow all medical instructions if stitches were required

Is it normal for a healing laceration to itch? Yes, mild itching is common during the healing process. However, excessive itching or irritation may indicate a problem and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Differentiating Lacerations from Other Types of Wounds

Understanding the differences between lacerations and other types of wounds can help in determining the appropriate treatment approach:

Abrasions

Abrasions are superficial wounds caused by scraping or rubbing against a rough surface. Unlike lacerations, abrasions typically only affect the top layers of skin and don’t penetrate deeply.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are characterized by a small entry point and can be deeper than they appear. They’re caused by sharp, pointed objects and carry a higher risk of infection compared to lacerations.

Avulsions

Avulsions occur when a portion of skin is partially or completely torn away. These wounds are more severe than typical lacerations and often require immediate medical attention.

Can a wound be classified as multiple types? In some cases, yes. Complex injuries may have characteristics of different wound types, which is why professional medical assessment is crucial for severe injuries.

The Role of Tetanus Prevention in Laceration Care

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can enter the body through wounds, including lacerations. Proper tetanus prevention is an essential aspect of wound care.

Tetanus Immunization

Most people receive tetanus vaccinations as part of their routine childhood immunizations. However, booster shots are recommended every 10 years to maintain immunity.

When to Consider a Tetanus Shot

You may need a tetanus shot if:

• Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago and you have a deep or dirty wound
• You’re unsure when you last received a tetanus shot
• You’ve never been vaccinated against tetanus

How quickly should you get a tetanus shot after an injury? If needed, it’s best to receive a tetanus shot within 48 hours of the injury for optimal protection.

Innovative Treatments for Complex Lacerations

While traditional suturing remains a common treatment for lacerations, medical advancements have introduced new options for wound closure and healing:

Tissue Adhesives

Also known as “liquid stitches,” tissue adhesives can be used to close small, clean lacerations. They offer benefits such as:

• Quick application
• No need for removal
• Reduced risk of infection
• Minimal scarring

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

For complex or slow-healing lacerations, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may be recommended. This treatment involves:

• Applying a vacuum-sealed dressing to the wound
• Removing excess fluid and promoting blood flow
• Encouraging faster healing and reducing infection risk

Are these advanced treatments suitable for all lacerations? No, the appropriateness of these treatments depends on the specific characteristics of the wound and should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Long-Term Care and Scar Management for Lacerations

Even after a laceration has healed, ongoing care may be necessary to minimize scarring and promote optimal skin health:

Scar Minimization Techniques

• Keep the healed wound protected from sun exposure
• Apply silicone-based scar gels or sheets
• Gently massage the scar to promote collagen remodeling
• Consider over-the-counter or prescription scar-fading creams

When to Consider Scar Revision

In some cases, professional scar revision treatments may be recommended:

• For hypertrophic or keloid scars
• If the scar restricts movement
• For cosmetic concerns, particularly on visible areas

How long should you wait before considering scar revision treatments? It’s generally recommended to wait at least 6-12 months after the initial injury to allow for complete healing before pursuing scar revision options.

Psychological Impact of Severe Lacerations

While the physical aspects of lacerations are often the primary focus, it’s important to recognize the potential psychological impact, especially for severe injuries:

Common Psychological Responses

• Anxiety about the injury and healing process
• Fear of future injuries or activities that led to the laceration
• Body image concerns related to scarring
• Post-traumatic stress, particularly for injuries resulting from violent incidents

Coping Strategies

To address the psychological impact of severe lacerations:

1. Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
2. Consider counseling or therapy if emotional distress persists
3. Practice relaxation techniques to manage anxiety
4. Focus on the healing process and celebrate milestones

Can the emotional impact of a laceration affect physical healing? Yes, stress and anxiety can potentially slow the healing process, which is why addressing both physical and emotional aspects of recovery is important.

Lacerations in Special Populations

Certain groups may require special considerations when it comes to laceration care and treatment:

Pediatric Lacerations

Treating lacerations in children presents unique challenges:

• Increased difficulty in keeping the wound clean and dry
• Potential need for sedation during treatment
• Importance of age-appropriate explanations and reassurance

Geriatric Lacerations

Older adults may face additional risks and considerations:

• Slower healing due to decreased collagen production
• Increased risk of infection
• Potential complications from pre-existing health conditions

Lacerations in Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems require extra precautions:

• Higher risk of infection
• Potential need for prophylactic antibiotics
• More frequent monitoring of the healing process

How do treatment approaches differ for these special populations? Healthcare providers may adjust treatment plans, medication dosages, and follow-up schedules to accommodate the specific needs of these groups.

The Future of Laceration Treatment

Ongoing research and technological advancements continue to shape the field of wound care, including the treatment of lacerations:

Emerging Technologies

• Smart bandages that monitor wound healing and deliver medication
• 3D-printed skin grafts for complex wounds
• Gene therapy to promote faster healing
• Nanoparticle-based treatments to reduce scarring

Personalized Medicine in Wound Care

The future of laceration treatment may involve more personalized approaches:

• Genetic testing to predict individual healing rates
• Customized treatment plans based on patient-specific factors
• Tailored wound dressings and medications

Will these advancements make traditional suturing obsolete? While new technologies show promise, traditional methods like suturing are likely to remain important, especially for certain types of lacerations. The future will likely involve a combination of traditional and innovative approaches to provide optimal care for each unique situation.

As our understanding of wound healing continues to evolve, so too will the strategies for treating and managing lacerations. Staying informed about these advancements can help both healthcare providers and patients make the best decisions for laceration care and achieve optimal outcomes.

Lacerations: Definition, Diagnosis & Treatment | Portland Urgent Care

Lacerations are scary when they happen, especially if you do not know what to look for or how to handle a cut. Knowing what to look for and how to handle a laceration will help you to determine the correct form of treatment. Find out everything you need to know about lacerations to make the best decisions for you and your family.

What is a laceration wound?

A laceration wound refers to a skin wound without missing skin. Usually, lacerations are caused by sharp objects. These are one of the easiest medical conditions to diagnose and easy to treat. Lacerations form by tearing the soft body tissue, that is, the top layer or layers of skin. Furthermore, lacerations are irregular tear-like wounds often caused by blunt trauma. 

Puncture wounds break more than soft tissue. Lacerations can be deep, shallow, long, short, wide, and even narrow. Minor lacerations do not usually require medical assistance as they can be treated at home with proper cleaning, ointments, and bandages. Also, minor lacerations will not bleed as much as deep lacerations. 

Deeper lacerations may require stitches if they are deep, bleeding profusely, have jagged edges, or expose muscle or fat. Seek medical attention for deep lacerations, especially cuts that will not stop bleeding. Often lacerations are misused as incisions that are caused on purpose or have clearly defined edges. 

What are the signs and symptoms of a laceration?

Lacerations are easy to spot as they refer to damage to the skin. As the skin has nerves, you will feel a sharp pain from a cut. Also, the cut skin will bleed and have a visible tear in the skin when the blood is out of the way. Often you will know when a laceration happens as it involves a cut or injury. The laceration victim will often scream in pain when the accident occurs, which is the first symptom of a cut. 

How do you describe a laceration?

Describe a laceration as a defined tear in the tissue of the skin caused by either shearing or crushing force. Often, lacerations are a result of blunt trauma. A laceration can also be described as an incomplete separation of strong tissue elements such as blood vessels or nerves. Lacerations can be caused by both sharp or dull trauma.

What is the difference between a cut and a laceration?

Cuts and lacerations are often used interchangeably as both indicate damaged skin from a blunt or sharp object. However, a cut often refers to a mild laceration as cuts do not often require more than antibacterial ointment and a bandage. Lacerations may be deeper and require pressure to stop the bleeding and even stitches depending on the depth of the injury or exposure of other parts like bone, tendons, ligaments, or muscle. 

How do you treat a wound laceration?

The first step to treat laceration is to stop the bleeding with pressure and gauze or bandage. Once the wound stops bleeding, clean the area to remove all dirt and debris. Clean by running cool water over the area and then use mild soap and water if possible. Dry with a sterile cloth. 

Next, apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile gauze bandage and medical tape. For smaller lacerations, use a self-sticking bandage for the wound. Clean and replace bandages daily until the wound heals. For smaller cuts, you may be able to use skin closure strips. Avoid using liquid bandages for cuts without consulting a doctor first.  

For deeper lacerations, go to the doctors for stitches. If you can see anything other than the first layer of skin, you also need to go to the doctor for proper treatment. If a cut measures larger than half an inch or has a large gaping wound, it probably requires stitches. 

Moreover, the location of a wound may require stitches to stay shut, such as on a joint, face, near the eye, or in the genital area. Another indication that a laceration requires medical attention is a risk of infection or disease such as a rusty nail, a scratch or bite, or another potentially contaminated item. Finally, prolonged bleeding requires medical assistance. 

After a few days, even if treating a minor laceration, you need to look for signs of infections or complications. Look for fever, chills, redness, swelling, white or yellow pus or drainage from the wound, or worsening pain. Do not wait to see a doctor if any of these symptoms occur; seek medical attention quickly. 

Can a laceration heal without stitches?

Eventually, a laceration will heal on its own without stitches. However, stitches promote faster healing, keep the wound clean from bacteria and infection, and prevent scarring. Furthermore, stitches or staples can help to reduce blood loss and reduce future complications from the wound. Lacerations can sever toes or fingers, and these cannot heal well without stitches. 

How long does it take for a laceration to heal?

Depending on the wound, it can take up to three months for the wound to fully heal. If you require stitches, the wound can heal faster in about six to eight weeks. Minor cuts and lacerations can heal in as little as two weeks, especially if the cut is very small.  

The location of the wound can impact healing as well. If the injury is on your hand, foot, knee, or elbow, it may take longer to heal as the body part moves more often. Immobilizing and injury on these parts, while frustrating, can help the cut to heal faster. 

How can I make my laceration heal faster?

The best way to help a laceration heal faster is to take proper care of the wound. Furthermore, if the cut requires stitches, then get stitches. Most importantly, keep the wound clean to prevent infection and covered to keep out dirt and debris. Avoid an unhealthy diet and drink more water to help provide the nutrients you need to heal properly. Try to eat food rich in vitamin C and antioxidants to help heal quickly. Lastly, avoid smoking and drugs of any sort to give yourself the best chance of healing. 

How deep does a cut heal?

Lacerations heal in four stages. Stage one is stopping the bleeding, also called hemostasis. Adding pressure can help to stop blood flow as the blood clots to prevent blood loss and closes the wound by making a scab, which is stage two. At this stage, you may notice inflammation as well as that helps to heal. 

Stage three involves rebuilding or growth as oxygen-rich red blood cells move to the injury and create new tissue. The last stage is maturation or strengthening, where the wound clots and heals. At this stage, you may notice itching or tightness around pink or stretched skin. From here, the body will continue to heal until the wound is gone or left with a scar. Over time, even deep cuts will heal, but stitches will help to reduce healing time. 

How do you describe a deep laceration?

A deep laceration is a severe laceration. Describe a deep laceration by the size, size, shape, orientation, and margins. You could also describe a deep laceration as a gash as it implies a longer or deeper cut. Make sure to also describe if you can see bones, muscles, or other internal parts that should not be visible. 

What is a severe laceration?

Severe lacerations are those that require stitches, are infected, or will not stop bleeding. Deep lacerations that expose internal parts are also severe. They may extend through more layers of tissue and cause significant pain. Do not hesitate to go to a doctor for a severe laceration. While minor cuts can be cared for at home, deep or severe cuts require medical attention. 

Should I see a doctor for a laceration?

If, after applying pressure, the bleeding does not stop, then you need to see a doctor for a laceration. All severe lacerations require a doctor for treatment. Additionally, if you see signs of infection or if the laceration was caused by something that could cause infection, then seek medical attention. See a doctor also if the laceration is near the eye. Signs of shock warrant a visit to the doctors as well, including a weak pulse, clammy skin, or rapid breathing. 

Signs of the wound reopening require a visit to the doctors as well. Furthermore, look for new or unexpected symptoms such as spasms, rigidity in the muscles, or near the wound. All of these symptoms may indicate complications that require professional care. 

Why choose Portland Urgent Care for laceration treatment?

Portland Urgent Care  works with a multitude of insurance companies to serve more customers. We also use a variety of integrated medical resources by combining both western and eastern medical healthcare which allows us to serve you the way your body needs.  

We offer same-day and walk-in appointments for laceration for immediate care with the best doctors. Get a dedicated treatment plan to prevent infection and help lacerations heal quickly. From bandaging to stitches, we can do everything you need to help deal with the blood and pain to get you on the road to recovery. 

Conclusion

Mild lacerations can be treated at home with antibiotic cream and a bandage. Deeper or severe lacerations that will not stop the bleed run the risk of infection or that are deep require medical attention. When in doubt, stop by Portland Urgent Care and let us look over your wound and help decide the best form of treatment to ensure a quick and safe recovery.

For more information on injuries, see our related blogs:

Common Causes & Effects of Neck Injuries

Neck Injury Treatment

Types of Back Injuries

How Do You Know If Your Back Injury Is Serious?

Types of Ankle Injuries

Common Types & Causes of Knee Injuries

How To Treat & Recover From Knee Injuries

Wrist Ligament Injuries

Wrist Injuries Causes & Treatment

Difference Between Sprains vs Strains

Different Types of Open Wounds

in General, Urgent Care

September 18, 2020

Tagged With: Annual Physical Examination, Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, urgent care, Urgent Care Rochester NY

Everyone gets cuts and scrapes when they’re growing up and playing a lot, but even the most cautious adults will occasionally get injured as well. Minor surface wounds can be cleaned and treated at home, but deeper breaks in your skin may require professional medical assistance.

Unlike closed wounds, such as bruises or closed fractures, open wounds are injuries that involve a break in the skin and leave the internal tissue exposed. The skin has an important role in protecting the organs, tissues, and other structures inside the body, so a breach of the skin can potentially invite infection.

Knowledge of the types of open wounds is critical to administering treatment – or knowing that you should seek treatment from a healthcare professional. Let’s talk about some of the main types of open skin wounds and where you can go for treatment if necessary.

What Are the Various Types of Open Wounds?

Some of the main types of open wounds include the following:

Laceration

A laceration is a cut that tears the skin and may also involve damage to the underlying tissues. Unlike an abrasion, none of the skin is missing. Blunt trauma is the usual cause of laceration wounds.

Deep or long lacerations may require stitches by a physician. Seek an evaluation by a doctor right away if you have a cut that continues to bleed, because medical treatment is necessary.

Puncture Wound

A puncture is a hole in your skin that usually goes through all layers of the skin. It often results from mishandling or stepping on pointed objects, such as needles and nails. A bite from an animal may also be considered a puncture wound. Go to an urgent care center right away if you suffer a puncture wound of any kind.

Metal exposure and animal bites pose an exceptionally high risk to your health. Metal tends to be dirty or rusty, and animal bites deliver bacteria or viruses from the animal’s mouth directly into your body. These can cause a serious infection quickly if not properly addressed by a physician.

Burn Wound

Burns are caused by overexposure to thermal, electrical, radiation, laser, or chemical agents. You can treat minor burns at home, but a non-minor burn wound requires immediate medical attention.

Burn wounds can be classified based on the extent of the injury:

• First-degree burns affect only the epidermis and may cause redness and pain.
• Second-degree burns affect the epidermis and the dermis and may cause blisters.
• Third-degree burns reach into the fatty layer under the skin and may destroy nerves.

Avulsion

Also known as a skin tear, an avulsion is a deep break to the skin, tearing it away from the underlying tissue. Wounds of this type are usually more serious and extensive. Traffic accidents and machine injuries are among the common causes of skin avulsions.

When an avulsion affects a large area of the skin, doctors usually consider skin grafting as part of the treatment and reconstruction process.

Wound Care in Rochester, New York

If you have a moderate wound or notice any signs of infection from a minor cut or scrape, it’s best to seek a medical evaluation by a doctor. For expert medical care, visit Cornerstone Urgent Care Center in Rochester to receive quick treatment for your wound.

Our urgent care providers can treat a wide variety of non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. We are open every day from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 7 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. An appointment is not necessary, and walk-ins are always welcome.

If you have any questions, contact us at (585) 207-0088. You can also send us a message online for any non-urgent matters. We look forward to serving you.Unlike closed wounds, such as bruises or closed fractures, open wounds are injuries that involve a break in the skin and leave the internal tissue exposed.

traumatologist appointment in Krivoy Rog

June 13, 2021

Household injuries: treatment in Kryvyi Rih Household injuries are cases of injuries and injuries to limbs or other parts of the body at home, on the street, in the yard. Cuts, bruised limbs, torn ligaments and muscles, as well as dislocations and fractures occur everywhere, and therefore it is necessary to know how to protect yourself from injury and provide first aid if an accident occurs. We recommend that you immediately make an appointment with a traumatologist in Krivoy Rog if you get a burn, cut, bruise!

Unfortunately, one of the leaders in statistics is child injuries. The figures say that about 35% of cases are due to bruises, up to 23-24% for fall injuries, up to 20% for tissue damage with sharp objects, and about 15-18% for burns. Often, the situation is uncontrollable, since young children do not always understand what is possible and what is not, children aged 7-10 years old are extremely inquisitive, and children 11-14 years old are often unsupervised, and while playing on the street they arrange not quite deliberate competitions, they are ready to climb trees on a dare, they like to spend time at construction sites.

Hundreds and thousands of cases of falls and fractures, banal games of war games and traumatization of the eyes and face during “staging battles”. It is impossible to predict where and when grief will happen, but you can always carry out preventive work with the child in time, talk about the need to be careful, and not allow the influence of bad company.

What is domestic injury

We intersect with this concept every day, even within our own family. Getting minimal injuries, we do not pay attention to them, depending on the severity. Hitting your little finger on a table leg, cutting yourself or getting burned in the kitchen is already standard. A cry of surprise, a stingy tear, cold water to relieve pain or a piece of ice from the freezer … and that’s it. Sometimes, this is really enough, but what if the injuries are more serious? Let’s talk about them in more detail!

Ordinary domestic injuries overtake us in an apartment, a private house, in the yard during a walk or while working on our own site. We propose to conditionally divide injuries according to severity, as they are seen by all people, and not purely medical workers!

Shallow cut: treatment, first aid

Cuts on arms and legs: first aid Shallow cut with a knife or glass, damage to the skin from broken dishes when a glass or cup was crushed in the hand, cut with paper. Unpleasant, but not fatal, right? Despite this fact, first aid is needed, which will exclude infection and more complex consequences, and also help the body recover faster.

First aid for minor cuts! It is necessary to wash the wound if it is contaminated, gently blot the blood, dry the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze, and treat the edges of the cut with an antiseptic, brilliant green or iodine, preventing these funds from getting on damaged tissues. After that, you need to apply a clean bandage and stick it with a medical plaster. Contacting a doctor for bandaging and treatment control, additional manipulations, at your own discretion!

What to do if you get a deep cut

This kind of damage can happen at home, while doing repairs or cleaning your own yard. A cut with a sharp knife, a tin can, a cut with glass or a construction cutter, power tools.

Deep cuts on the arms, legs or torso are damage not only to the skin, but also to internal tissues, blood vessels and muscle fibers, ligaments and tendons. It is important to quickly stop the bleeding, for which the wound is clamped with a clean bandage and pressed. If the limb is damaged, you need to raise its top. Do not crush your arm or leg by applying a tourniquet, this often leads to additional injuries and complex consequences. It is better to immediately seek help, call an ambulance or, in case of successful stopping of bleeding, drive to a medical facility where a specialist will examine, treat the wound and perform suturing.

First aid for lacerations

Lacerations: treatment, sutures, dressingThis type of injury occurs when organic tissues come into sharp contact with objects, with the presence of additional efforts. An example would be a hand cut with a hacksaw for wood, a lacerated wound from a grinder disk at high speeds, when a person stumbles and falls on a glass container, a stack of dishes, or when he steps with his bare foot on a stone, glass.

Rupture – damage with jagged edges, of varying depth and with varying degrees of tissue damage. Up to 80% of people think so. For physicians, lacerations represent a slightly different type of damage, which is associated with rupture of the skin and mucous membranes as a result of external influences that are stronger than the ability of the tissue to stretch. Roughly speaking, the skin and subsequent tissues burst on contact with solid objects. The injury can be serious – from a puncture of the skin to damage to muscles, blood vessels and nerves.

Quickly stop the bleeding, apply a sterile dressing and go to surgery or the nearest emergency room for antiseptic treatment, cleaning and washing, excision of non-viable tissues, suturing and draining!

Puncture wounds

The complexity and severity of the injury is difficult to assess. Of course, if you prick your finger with a needle or step on a nail, the problem is understandable. But traumatologists cite numerous other cases as an example. Often, experts talk about piercing a finger with a skewer, about a more difficult puncture of a leg with a skewer when stringing meat, piercing palms. In the practice of doctors, there are cases of deep tissue damage when a person steps on or falls on a pitchfork, sits on a knife or broken glass. Deep injuries are not uncommon for builders who step on nails while roofing or laying floors.

In severe cases, call an ambulance and take the victim to the nearest medical center. Whenever possible, the objects of injury are not removed from the tissues in situ. The extraction is performed by doctors who have the opportunity to immediately stop the bleeding that has arisen, to proceed with the recovery operation, because the vessels and nerves, veins and arteries are often damaged.

Domestic injuries: video interview with a Mediton Clinic traumatologist

Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds are only a small number of the total number of possible injuries. And in the next article, we give examples of them, based on cases of patients visiting our traumatology department.

Pay attention to the safety rules when working with power tools, be careful when decorating your own home or cleaning your summer cottage, remember to take care of yourself even during banal cooking or washing dishes. This will not protect you 100% from adverse events, but it will seriously limit them and significantly reduce the possible degree of damage in the event of negative situations!

Assistance in case of domestic injuries Book an appointment with a traumatologist in Krivoy Rog by phone (098) 530-60-40: contact center, viber. Book online through your personal account on the clinic website!

Pay attention:

Winter injuries: first aid and prevention

Treatment of burns, first aid

Treatment of sports injuries

Scratches, abrasions, cuts, lacerations – we can “get” all this even in our own apartments. And in the country, the risk grows exponentially. At the height of the season, we talk about how to properly treat wounds and when to see a doctor.

So, let’s start with when exactly you need to seek the help of specialists:

1. When a small child got hurt.

2. When bitten by animals – not only dogs, but also foxes, hedgehogs, rodents. This is very important, since the animal can be a carrier of rabies, and only timely medical care can save the victim.

3. If the wound was caused by a dirty or rusty object and you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years.

4. For cuts and lacerations, if the depth of the wound is deeper or more than 1.5 cm.

5. If there is bleeding of a pulsating nature.

6. If wounds and deep cuts on the hands, face, neck, head.

7. When the blood does not stop for more than 20 minutes.

8. When there are several wounds.

9. If a high temperature has risen and persists after the injury.

10. If the victim has dizziness and nausea.

11. If there is inflammation, the wound does not heal well.

How to treat wounds

Prepare to treat the wound: wash your hands and apply hand sanitizer, alcohol solution, or an alcohol wipe.

Depending on the type of wound, the procedure may vary slightly, but in general it is as follows:

Examine the wound, determine what its nature is and how severe the damage is

· Try to stop the bleeding.

Rinse the wound with hydrogen peroxide (3%), a solution of chlorhexidine or furacilin (0.5%), or a solution of pink potassium permanganate (it must be filtered through gauze). Dry the wound with a tissue.

· Treat the skin around the wound with an antiseptic and apply a sterile bandage. Afterwards, do not forget to do dressings.

Make a decision about the need to see a doctor. Take a pain reliever if necessary.

Almost all “household” wounds are dirty, so it is very important to clean the wound, if possible, without touching it with your hands. A clean wound will heal faster and help avoid complications.

Only the edges of the wound need to be treated. You can not pour alcohol, iodine, brilliant green, etc.