OPEN WOUND AND

CUTS
 WHAT IS OPEN
WOUND AND CUTS?
*An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal
break in body tissue, usually involving the skin. Nearly
everyone will experience an open wound at some point in
their life. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated
at home.
*Falls, accidents with sharp objects, and car accidents are
the most common causes of open wounds. In the case of a
serious accident, you should seek immediate medical care.
This is especially true if there’s a lot of bleeding or if bleeding
lasts for more than 20 minutes
 ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF
OPEN WOUNDS?
• There are four types of open
wounds, which are classified
depending on their cause.
• Abrasion
• An abrasion occurs when your skin
rubs or scrapes against a rough or
hard surface. Road rash is an
example of an abrasion. There’s
usually not a lot of bleeding, but
the wound needs to be scrubbed
and cleaned to avoid infection.
• Laceration
• A laceration is a deep cut or tearing of your skin. Accidents
with knives, tools, and machinery are frequent causes of
lacerations. In the case of deep lacerations, bleeding can
be rapid and extensive.
• Puncture
• A puncture is a small hole caused
by a long, pointy object, such as
a nail or needle. Sometimes, a
bullet can cause a puncture
wound.
• Punctures may not bleed much,
but these wounds can be deep
enough to damage internal
organs. If you have even a small
puncture wound, visit your doctor
to get a tetanus shot and prevent
infection
• Avulsion
• An avulsion is a partial or
complete tearing away of
skin and the tissue beneath.
Avulsions usually occur
during violent accidents,
such as body-crushing
accidents, explosions, and
gunshots. They bleed heavily
and rapidly.
TREATMENT OF OPEN WOUND.
• ABRASION
• Clean the wound by rinsing with water, and then flushing with a sterile solution to rid the
affected area of bacteria and debris. Often times these open wounds will form a scab as a
natural bandage. While tempting, avoid picking the scab as that can delay healing.
• AVULSION
• Avulsions require immediate medical attention for proper treatment. While waiting for
professional help, you can apply direct pressure to the wounded area in an attempt to stop
the bleeding.
• LACERATION
• Severe lacerations require immediate medical attention and may require stitches. You can
treat minor lacerations by washing and disinfecting the wound, and then applying pressure
and a sterile bandage. If there’s bruising or swelling, apply ice to the wounded area. It is
important to remember that only a medical physician can dictate the severity of a laceration
and it’s always best to seek medical help when you’re not sure of how to proceed.
• PUNCTURE
• Seek medical assistance for proper treatment advice to avoid infection.
 HOME CARE FOR MINOR WOUNDS
• 1. Stop Bleeding
• Apply direct pressure on the cut or wound with a clean cloth, tissue, or piece of
gauze until bleeding stops.
• If blood soaks through the material, don’t remove it. Put more cloth or gauze on top
of it and continue to apply pressure.
• If the wound is on the arm or leg, raise limb above the heart, if possible, to help slow
bleeding.
• Wash your hands again after giving first aid and before cleaning and dressing the
wound.
• Do not apply a tourniquet unless the bleeding is severe and not stopped with direct
pressure.
• 2. Clean Cut or Wound
• Gently clean with soap and warm water. Try to rinse soap out of wound to prevent
irritation.
• Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can damage tissue.
• 3. Protect the Wound
• Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection and cover with a sterile bandage.
• Change the bandage daily to keep the wound clean and dry.
• SEEK THE TREATMENT FROM DOCTOR WHEN:
• The wound is deep or the edges are jagged or gaping open.
• The wound is on the person’s face.
• The wound has dirt or debris that won’t come out.
• The wound shows signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness, or a thick
discharge, or if the person runs a fever.
• The area around the wound feels numb.
• Red streaks form around the wound.
• The wound is a result of an animal or human bite.
• The person has a puncture wound or deep cut and hasn’t had a tetanus shot in
the past five years, or anyone who hasn’t had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
• CALL 911 IF:
• Bleeding is severe
• You suspect internal bleeding
• There is an abdominal or chest wound
• Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure
• Blood spurts out of wound