Livingston, N.J. -- Summer is finally here and both adults and children enjoy recreational activities out-of-doors in the warm weather. Time spent outside can also result in minor wounds that can often be treated at home. The Emergency Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center offers advice for treating these minor conditions, and when to seek medical attention.
“Even minor wounds should be properly cleansed to minimize the risk of infection,” says Christopher Freer, D.O., Director of Emergency Medicine and Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “An understanding of basic, minor wound care and when to seek medical attention for more serious wounds is essential for families.”
A wound is a break in the tissues of the body. Some minor injuries, like cuts and scrapes, are called open wounds. Other more serious wounds, like deep bruises, are called closed wounds. They are usually caused by external forces such as motor vehicle accidents, falls, and the mishandling of tools and machinery.
There are several different types of wounds:
- Abrasions — These wounds are caused by scraping of the skin's outer layers. Bleeding is usually minimal.
- Incisions — These cuts are caused by knives, metal edges, broken glass or other sharp objects. The amount of bleeding depends on the extent of the cut.
- Lacerations — These are jagged, irregular cuts of the skin. Most lacerations are serious in nature and bleeding may be heavy.
- Punctures — These wounds are caused by an object piercing the skin layers, creating a small hole. Some punctures are superficial and some are very deep. Infections are common, due to the difficulty of cleaning into the puncture site.
Many people incorrectly believe that minor scrapes and cuts should be kept uncovered to air out, and that doing so promotes healing. In fact, research has shown that protecting minor cuts results in better, safer healing. A covered wound that is kept clean heals faster and poses less risk of infection, scarring and re-injury than a wound left open.
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) recommends three simple first-aide steps for minor wound care, “Clean, Treat and Protect.”
- Clean: When the wound first occurs, clean your hands and then flush and clean the wounded area with mild soap and water. If necessary, apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- Treat: Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the wound one to three times a day to keep it moist.
- Protect: Cover the wound with an adhesive bandage and change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty.
Seek immediate medical care if a wound shows any of these warning signs:
- A wound spurting blood, or a wound still bleeding after five minutes of pressure.
- Wounds that appear particularly deep or gaping open, or any burn wound.
- A wound that has a fatty layer, white tissue or muscle that is exposed.
- Deep puncture wounds, such as those caused by stepping on a nail.
- Wounds that have imbedded foreign materials, such as dirt, glass or metal.
- Any cut from animal bites and all human bites
- Any wound that shows signs of infection (fever, swelling, redness, bad smell, fluid draining from the area, or increasing pain).
- Problems with movement or sensation after an injury.
- If you are not sure about the status of your tetanus immunization.
For a referral to a Saint Barnabas Medical Center attending physician, please call 1-888-SBHS-123 or visit our website at www.saintbarnabas.com
Date: June 17, 2005 press contact: Public Relations (973) 322-9901
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