Wound

An article about wounds, their types, and treatment

Wound

A wound is a type of injury which happens relatively quickly in which skin is torn, cut, or punctured (an open wound), or where blunt force trauma causes a contusion (a closed wound). In pathology, it specifically refers to a sharp injury which damages the dermis of the skin.

Types of Wounds

Wounds can be classified into several types based on their cause and characteristics. The main types include:

Abrasion

An abrasion is a wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, no deeper than the epidermis. It is less severe than a laceration, and bleeding, if present, is minimal. Abrasions are often caused by a sliding fall onto a rough surface.

Bicycle injury - Hand Abrasion, Day 1

Laceration

A laceration is a deep cut or tearing of the skin. Unlike an abrasion, there is usually significant bleeding. Lacerations can be caused by sharp objects such as knives or broken glass.

Puncture

A puncture wound is a deep wound caused by a sharp, pointed object such as a nail or needle. Puncture wounds can be dangerous because they may introduce bacteria deep into the body.

Foot puncture

Incision

An incision is a clean, straight cut in the skin, often made by a sharp instrument such as a scalpel. Incisions are common in surgical procedures.

Contusion

A contusion is a bruise caused by blunt force trauma that damages tissue under the skin without breaking the skin.

Wound Healing

Wound healing is a complex process that involves several stages:

Hemostasis

The first stage of wound healing is hemostasis, where blood vessels constrict and clotting begins to stop bleeding.

Inflammation

The inflammation stage involves the body's immune response to prevent infection. White blood cells migrate to the wound site to fight off bacteria and debris.

Proliferation

During the proliferation stage, new tissue and blood vessels form. The wound begins to close as collagen is deposited.

Maturation

The final stage is maturation, where the wound fully closes and the tissue strengthens over time.

Treatment

Treatment of wounds depends on the type and severity of the wound. Basic first aid includes cleaning the wound, applying antiseptic, and covering it with a bandage. More severe wounds may require stitches or surgical intervention.

Finger cut

Complications

Complications from wounds can include infection, delayed healing, and scarring. Proper wound care is essential to prevent these complications.

Related Pages

• First aid
• Surgery
• Infection
• Skin