About this topic
The skin protects the inside of the body from the outside world. A wound is an injury to the skin that "breaks " � the barrier to the outside. When the skin is damaged or broken open, the wound can become infected or bleed. � �
Cuts and scrapes are one type of wound. Scrapes on the surface leave deeper skin layers in place. These are often caused by friction or rubbing against a rough surface. � �
Another kind is a puncture wound. This comes from something like a bite or stepping on a nail. Puncture wounds are caused by a pointed or sharp object, such as a nail or needle, entering the skin. Bleeding can be very little, and the wound may be hard to see. � �
Bites from a human or an animal always have germs in them and need extra care. � �
Healing is the response to injury. There are many stages to healing and scars can form during healing. Full healing of a wound may take a few weeks. Wound care should be repeated to let the injured skin heal. Good wound care can limit the chance of infection and limit scars. � �
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by doctor.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wound. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages. Your doctor may tell you to keep your wound covered to protect it from dirt and germs until it is fully healed. You may use an antibiotic skin ointment, unless your doctor tells you differently.
- When you may take a bath or shower. Most often the doctor will tell you to keep your wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can gently wash the wound with soap and water or take a shower unless your doctor tells you to care for your wound differently.
- Do not rub the wound.
- Always wash your hands before and after touching the wound.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
You may need to have a tetanus shot. � �
Will physical activity be limited?
- Limit your activity until your wound is fully healed. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to return to sports. Be sure to ask your doctor before you do any activities.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Poor healing
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- If you think that there may be something in the wound that was not removed such as glass or a wood splinter
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my wound.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel � �
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/7592e11bd8a23ae0ca256f70007a95f7/2f56b20850d481c4ca2572330024859c?OpenDocument � �
FamilyDoctor.org � �
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/first-aid-cuts-scrapes-and-stitches.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �