Types of wounds on the skin and their handling & bull; hello healthy

When you have an injury, most of it is followed by a wound. Skin sores that appear can take the form of two types of open wounds or closed wounds. What are the differences between the two and the varieties of each?

Is that a wound?

Wounds are damage to the skin that results from physical injury. Many things can injure a person's skin.

Often times, injuries arise from injuries that occur in accidents while driving or working. However, injuries can also be caused by certain medical procedures such as after surgery.

In some cases, the wound can turn into an infection or become a means of transmission of disease. Fortunately, this can be prevented if you immediately treat the wound in the right way.

Broadly speaking, wounds are divided into two types, namely open wounds and closed wounds.

An open wound is a wound that hits the outermost layer of skin, exposing the inner tissue to the external environment. Usually caused by rubbing or puncturing the skin with a rough or sharp surface.

Meanwhile, a closed wound is a wound from a blunt force impact. In this type of wound, the outermost skin tissue remains intact, it's just that the effect on the skin tissue in it results in bruising or a reddish or bluish hue.

Based on their severity, wounds are divided into different classifications. According to its depth and breadth, open wounds can be classified as follows.

• Superficial. The wound only affects the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin. These wounds tend to be minor.
• Partial thickness. Involves the shedding of the epidermis and upper dermis (the layer of skin underneath the epidermis).
• Full thickness. The damage includes the subcutaneous or hypodermal tissue (the fat skin layer, where there is fat, sweat glands, and collagen cells).
• Deep and complicated. The wound is deeper, reaching the lining of the muscles, bones or organs of the body.

Meanwhile, closed wounds consist of the following classifications.

• Level 1: The bruises tend to be mild, there is no swelling in the affected area. It hurts a little when pressed.
• Level 2: Injuries of moderate intensity, can produce mild pain and slight swelling.
• Level 3: Severe bruising with unbearable pain accompanied by very noticeable swelling. This bruise can make it difficult to move the affected limb.

Types of wounds and their handling

Open wounds and closed wounds are divided into several different forms. Each of these types of wounds has its own characteristics and needs to be treated differently.

Open wound type

Here are the various types of open wounds and the treatments they should be given.

Abrasions

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Blisters or abrasions occur when the skin rubs against a rough or hard surface. Usually this type of wound does not bleed much and can heal without leaving a scar.

Blisters are included in the category of wounds spuerficial, which means only about the outer layer of skin. However, the wound still needs to be cleaned to prevent infection on the skin.

The trick, wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves. Then clean the wound by scrubbing gently with soap, water, and a clean cloth. Apply antibiotic ointment or wound medication, then wrap the injured area with a bandage.

Don't forget to wash your hands again afterwards.

Tear wounds

Also known as lacerations, these injuries are caused by an accident when using a knife or other sharp equipment.

Unlike abrasions, these skin tear injuries do not involve removing the epidermal layer. If the wound is not too deep, you can do the treatment yourself.

After washing your hands, clean the wound under running water with a mild, low pH soap. Apply pressure to the wound, you can use cotton or sterile gauze. Raise the injured body part higher than the chest to control bleeding. Cover the wound with a bandage.

Stab wound

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This condition is usually caused by sharp, pointed objects such as nails or needles. Most stab wounds do not bleed much, but if they are too deep they can damage the organs or the lining underneath.

In addition, the risk of infection is also higher because it tends to be difficult to clean. The injured area is also warmer and more humid, making it an ideal place for bacterial growth.

If you want to first treat this type of wound, it is appropriate to wash the wound under a strong stream of soapy water. Apply an antiseptic solution and cover the wound with a bandage.

Do not use the ointment or wrap the wound too tightly, as this will increase the risk of infection. In order to further ensure that the wound is okay, it is better to immediately go to the doctor to find out accurate infection prevention.

Burns

Burns can be caused by excess heat, such as exposure to sunlight, contact with fire, chemicals, or electricity.

To fix this, first cool the burned area under cold running water or apply a cold compress until the pain subsides.

If the skin starts to blister and crack, wash it off with water. Apply antibiotic ointment unless a rash appears. After the wound cools, apply lotion to prevent it from drying. Cover the wound loosely with sterile gauze.

Closed wound type

Although it does not damage the outer skin tissue, the damage it causes can reach muscles, internal organs, and bones. Several types of closed wounds include the following.

Contusio

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Contusion is the most common sports injury. This type of blunt trauma damages the small blood vessels, capillaries, muscles and underlying tissue.

In some cases, contusions can also cause bone damage. Its appearance is marked by a reddish to bluish bruise on the injured area.

Hematoma

Similar to contusions, a hematoma also attacks the small blood vessels and capillaries resulting in a collection of blood in the injured area.

The difference is, the hematoma appears in the form of a rubbery, rubbery lump called a lesion. Depending on the severity, the hematoma can be a large or small area.

Types of closed wounds should also be given appropriate treatment immediately. Treatment is carried out with the aim of controlling pain and preventing inflammation from spreading to wider areas of the skin.

If the problem is mild, you can simply apply ice or cold water to the injured area. However, in more serious cases, doctors may perform surgery.

Especially when complications such as compartment syndrome arise, the doctor will operate on the wound to leave it open for two to three days while covering it with a sterile bandage to relieve the swelling.

If there is a possibility of a fracture, wound management plus an x-ray scan may also be required. In severe trauma, other forms of scans such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI will help detect damage to the organs inside.