Categories: Health

Signals and initial symptoms of wounds

When we have a wound, then we have a break in our skin; puncture wounds, scrapes and cuts are minor wounds. Also there are other kinds of wound such as burns, diabetic ulcers, lacerations (irregular cuts, jagged) and incisions (clean cuts). The first defense line against infection is our skin. Our skin protects us from extremes of temperatures, radiation and infection. The most minor wound can be healed easily. But also some wounds can develop into open sores which can become infected. You can treat the minor wound in your home.

You need to wash that area with clean water and then you should apply a bandage. You should call emergency help if you have a human or animal bite which is greater than ½ inch long and where you can see bone, muscle or fat.

If you do not see your doctor as soon as possible and get the right treatment, then you have increased chances of getting infection from these wounds. When you are visiting your doctor, then you need to tell him if you had booster vaccine or tetanus shot in the last 5 years so your doctor will know if you have to get a tetanus booster.

There are many wounds which are superficial which means that they need first aid which can include dressing and cleansing. Doctors are giving medical help to people who have wounds and the purpose of this treatment is to prevent any kind of complication and to preserve function. There are many cosmetic products which are not good for wound healing.

We know that the most common symptoms of wound are bleeding, swelling and pain. The amount of these symptoms is depending on mechanism of injury and the place where this injury is located. There are some lacerations which may not hurt you a lot because in those areas there are a few nerve endings but if you have abrasions of fingertips (because you have a big number of nerves in your fingers), then they can be very painful.

Signs and symptoms of wounds

Here are the most common signs and symptoms which are accompanying wounds:

Oozing pus, foul smell (in infected wound only)
Not being able to use or move the affected area
Possible fever with infection
Heat
Pain and tenderness
Swelling
Redness
Bleeding or oozing of blood

Causes for wound

Injuries or accidents can be a reason for wound but also they can be caused by some of these causes:

Radiation
Temperature extremes (frostbite)
Heat or chemical burn
Surgery

Our skin can be damaged in many ways that depend on the mechanism of the injury:

Pressure sores: These sores can develop because you have a lack of supply to your skin which is caused by chronic pressure on some areas of your skin. Also people who suffer from malnutrition, circulation problems and diabetes have increased chances of getting pressure sores.
Human and animal bites: Animal and human bites can be classified abrasions or puncture wound or also they can be a combination of both.
Puncture wounds: These kinds of wound are caused when a sharp object enters in your skin. Examples of these wound are a stab wound with a knife, stepping on a nail and a needle stick.
Deep abrasions: These kinds of wound are also known as lacerations or cuts. They go through all layers of our skin and into the underlying tissue such as bone or muscle.
Superficial (wounds that are on the surface) wounds and abrasions: They leave the deeper skin layers in the tact and usually they are caused by friction rubbing against the abrasive surface.
Inflammation: This is the initial response of our skin to the injury.

You need to have proper wound care because this will help you to prevent the infection. Also you should be sure that you do not have other associated injuries which can help to promoting the healing process. Many people want to have a good cosmetic result after their wounds have been completely healed.

Risk for getting wounds: You can have increased chances of getting wound if you have some of the mentioned characteristics: