4 Types of Wounds and How To Care for Each

Unfortunately, getting the occasional wound here and there is a normal part of life. Although it can feel overwhelming when it happens, understanding the basics of wound care can help you deal with different injuries and offer you some peace of mind during the process. 

When you’re not sure where to turn or how to act, look to the experts.  Alejandro Blanco, MD, Ralph Rodriguez, MD, and our dedicated team at Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, specialize in identifying various types of wounds and providing proper healing techniques to avoid complications. 

So, if you’d like to arm yourself with the knowledge about four types of common wounds and how to care for each, keep reading! 

1. Abrasions 

If you’ve ever rubbed or bumped your skin just a little too hard against a surface, you’ve experienced an abrasion. These superficial wounds are common but can be especially uncomfortable. The following care guide can help you find relief: 

• Clean your wound gently with mild soap and water 
• Apply over-the-counter antibiotic ointment 
• Cover your abrasion with sterile bandages or dressings 
• Check for signs of increased redness or swelling 

2. Puncture wounds 

Have you had a nail or needle pierce your skin? These deeper, more painful wounds, occur when a pointed object punctures you and can be more serious than they appear on the surface. Here’s what you can do to care for your puncture wound: 

• Clean with warm water and mild soap 
• Allow your wound to bleed slightly to help flush out bacteria 
• Apply an antiseptic and clean dressing 
• Watch out for signs of infection 

3. Lacerations 

Typically caused by blunt force trauma, lacerations are cuts or tears in your skin that often result from sharp objects or tools. These can range from small, shallow cuts to deeper more extensive wounds that can be quite alarming. First of all, try not to panic, and follow these helpful care tips: 

• Control bleeding with a sterile bandage and gentle pressure 
• Clean the wound with mild soap and water 
• Use antibiotic ointment and cover with sterile dressing 
• Seek medical attention for deep cuts that might require stitches 

4. Avulsions 

If there’s one specific wound that should sound off alarm bells, it’s an avulsion. These traumatic wounds involve the tearing away of all of the layers of your skin and underlying tissues. These require the following prompt and specialized care tactics: 

• Call for immediate emergency medical assistance 
• Control bleeding with a sterile bandage and gentle pressure 
• If possible, try to replace torn tissue to its original position 
• Keep the affected area elevated while waiting for help 

In the end, no matter what kind of wound you’re suffering from, it benefits you to know what to do in the moment to give yourself the proper care and relief. The most important thing to remember is that while minor wounds can often be treated at home, we highly recommend that you seek the attention of our team of professionals for crucial and more severe injuries like deep lacerations and avulsions. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit at home, and don’t hesitate to turn to the experts when you need an extra hand.

If you’re ready to learn more about wound care, contact us and use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with our team today!