Wounds : Types and Treatment of wounds

Wounds

A wound is a tear or break in the skin following an accident. The deeper the wound the more likely it is to bleed and to get infected as it can' t be properly cleaned. You must stop the bleeding and, as far as possible, prevent infection from occurring.

Types of wounds:

            Abrasion: this is usually a superficial wound with peeling of skin.

            Cut, eg. by a knife or other sharp cutting instrument: This is usually accompanied by profuse bleeding and the deeper structures may also be cut.

            Torn, eg, by barbed wire or by a blunt instrument: The edges of the wound are irregular and there is bruising.

            Punctured, eg,. by a knife, nail or bullet: This wound is small but deep so that important organs may be damaged.

Treatment

            Make the patient sit or lie down.

            Handle the injured part gently.

            Wash the wound with clean water and soap. Always clean away form the wound.

            Remove as much dirt or foreign matter as possible.

            Wash the wound with antiseptic lotion.

            Stop any bleeding by using direct pressure or by applying a tourniquet.

            Apply antiseptic solutions ( dettol) and dust wound with sulphonamide powder.

            If the wound is gaping, apply strips of adhesive plaster to bring the edges together.

            Apply a clean dressing and bandage.

            If necessary treat for shock.

            Give pain reliever, if policy permits.

            Support the arm in a sling when necessary.

You must always refer the patient to the hospital in the following cases:

            If the wound is large and needs stitching

            If there is severe bleeding

            If there is shock or the patient is unconscious.

            If there is a foreign body embedded in the wound.

            In all deep wounds of the chest and abdomen.