WOUNDS
- INCISION = An incision wound is a cut in the skin caused by a sharp object such as a knife, broken glass, scissors, or surgeon's scalpels. Incision wounds are 'neat' and the edges of the skin are usually smooth.
- LACERATION = A laceration is an injury to the skin that results in the skin being cut or torn open. Lacerations can be shallow, only injuring the surface of the skin, or deep, causing injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels or nerves. Lacerations are most commonly made by some sort of blunt trauma such as being hit with a fist or baseball bat. Unlike an incision wound, a laceration is generally jagged because the skin instead of cut.
- ABRASION = An abrasion is a type of wound in which the skin is scraped or rubbed off. When skin is dragged on carpet, the resulting wound, often called carpet burn. is an abrasion. They are visually superficial wounds meaning that only the outer layers of the skin are affected. A deep abrasion, one that penetrates to the inner layers of the skin, can leave a scar. Parts of the body with thin layers of skin, such as the knees and elbows are most prone to abrasions.
- CONTUSION = A contusion is a kind of closed wound meaning that the skin is not broken. Contusions are caused by blunt force trauma to the skin that results in tissue damage. When the blood vessels under the skin are broken, blood pools under the skin creating a bruise.
- PUNCTURE = A puncture wound is created when a sharp object enters the skin. These wounds are usually small and do not bleed a lot. Although these wounds tend to close over quickly, they still need treatment as infection is a possibility. Puncture wounds are prone to a tetanus infection, so it is important to seek medical advice for any puncture wound. Common types of puncture wounds include stepping on a nail or bites from animals.
CUTS
An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving the skin.
Infected wounds:
- dark
- dry
- bigger
- deeper
- increase in drainage
- thick green, yellow or brown pus
- pus with a foul odor
- fever
- a tender lump
- if it has been contaminated with dirt, pus or other bodily fluids
- there was something in the wound before it was cleaned
- it has a jagged edge
- it's longer than 2in
- was caused by an animal or human
- swelling
- redness
- swollen glands
NHS:
- Most cuts and grazes are minor and can easily be treated at home.
- If the cut is to your hand or arm, raise it above your head to help reduce the flow of blood.
- If the cut is on a lower limb, lie down and raise the affected are above the level of your heart.
SCARS
Scars on the skin may appear when a cut or other injury is in the process of healing. The different types of scars can vary in appearance.
- Flat pale scars = incredibly common, the most usual scar that forms after a wound, typical reaction to surgery, more visible if wounds are stretched, pale = healthiest form of scar, less noticeable, likely occur all over the body, appears worst if positioned near a joint.
- Keloid scars = when skin is injured, fibrous tissue, called scar tissue, forms over the wound to repair and protect the injury. In some cases, scar tissue grows excessively, forming smooth, hard growths called keloids. They can be much larger than the actual wound and are most commonly found on chest, shoulders, earlobes and cheeks - however can affect any part of the body. Keloids: flesh-coloured, pink or red; lumpy or ridged area of skin thats usually raised; an area that continues to grow larger; itchy patch of skin. Most common causes = acne, burns, chickenpox, ear piercings, scratches, surgical incisions, vaccinations sites.
- Hypertrophic = caused by imbalance of collagen in a healing wound. They do not extend to beyond the boundary. They are red, raised and; can restrict movement; heals within the size of wound; healing tissue thicker than usual; becomes flatter and paler with time.
- Pitten or sunken scars = Are recessed into the skin. They may be due to the skin being attached to deeper structures or to loss of underlying fat. A common cause is acne or chickenpox which may result in the pitted appearance.
- Scar contractures = Commonly caused by burns. Happens when the skin shrinks and becomes tighter and there is a restriction of movement.
BRUISES
Bruising is a term used to describe when blood leaks out of the blood vessels into the tissue of the skin, mucus membranes or other organs, including muscles and bones. Different types of bruises include; Contusions, Hematomas and Purpura.
Contusions are common types of bruises that are caused by trauma, often blunt force injury, that damaged and breaks open the tiny vessels in the tissues of the skin, mucus membranes or other organs. Contusions are often accompanied by pain and swelling due to the body's inflammatory response to injury. This is why a bruise on your shin caused by bumping a table can become swollen.
Hematomas are a type of bruising in which there is a significant amount of bleeding that results in a collection of blood that pools at the site of injury. Hematomas can by the same forces that cause contusions but generally cause more pain and swelling and complications. Common hematomas include: epidural, subdural and intracerebral hematomas - brain, nasal septum hematomas, subcutaneous hematomas - skin, subungal hematomas - fingernails/toes.
Purpura is caused by spontaneous leaking of blood from tiny blood vessels. It is a type of bruising that causes purple or red flat spots or patches on the skin and mucus membranes. Purpura that results in tiny spots on the skin is called petechiae. Some things may cause purpura such as: Autoimmune disease, meningitis and measles, certain medications, insect bites, leukemia, thrombocytopenia and/or vasculitis.
Contusions Hematomas Purpura
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