Minor Wound Care

Types of Minor Wounds

A wound is any damage to the soft tissues of the body. It usually results in the escape of blood from the blood vessels into surrounding tissues, body cavities, or out of the body.

A wound can be either open or closed:

• Open wound – A break in the outer layer of the skin.
• Closed wound – No break in the outer layer of skin but there is internal bleeding.

The aim in the care of wounds is to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. Although some bleeding may help to wash contamination from the wound, excessive blood flow must be stopped quickly to minimize shock.

Contusions or Bruises

Contusions or bruises are closed wounds. The tissues under the skin are damaged and bleed into surrounding tissues, causing discolouration. A bruise may be a sign of a deeper, more serious injury or illness.

Abrasions or Scrapes

Abrasions or scrapes are open wounds where the outer protective layer of skin and the tiny underlying blood vessels are damaged. The deeper layer of the skin is still intact. Abrasions are often referred to as “road rash.”

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are open wounds caused by blunt or pointed instruments that may have a small opening, but often penetrate deep into the tissue.

Incisions

Incisions are deep, clean cuts caused by something sharp such as a knife.

Lacerations

Lacerations are tears in the skin and underlying tissue with jagged and irregular edges. This type of wound can be caused by an item with rough edges, such as a dull paring knife.

Avulsions

Avulsions are injuries that leave a piece of skin or other tissue either partially or completely torn away from the body.