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Wound Care

Wound types

  • Abrasion: When friction scrapes off the top layer(s) of the skin. This can result from falling onto pavement, sliding into a base, etc.
  • Burn: An injury to the skin from heat or a chemical.
  • Frostbite: Damage to the skin from cold.
  • Laceration: A cut in the layers of the skin.

Treatment

Proper care prevents infections or other complications and speeds up the body’s healing. Although injuries can happen in several different ways, their care and treatment are often similar.

Wounds heal faster if the surface of the wound is kept moist. This helps the body close the wound more efficiently.

First aid
Some injuries require specific immediate care.

Abrasions

  1. Wash the wound thoroughly with a mild soap.
  2. Remove any dirt or debris still in the wound.
  3. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or white petrolatum.
  4. Cover with a bandage

Burns

  1. Run cool water over the area or apply a cool, wet cloth.
  2. Do not use ice as it may cause further damage to the tissue.
  3. Leave any blisters that develop intact.

Frostbite

  1. Warm the frostbitten area by submerging it in water that is about 101° to 104°F; placing it in contact with a warm area of the body, such as the abdomen or the armpit; or covering the area with blankets.
  2. Do not rub or massage the injured area.
  3. Leave any blisters that develop intact.
  4. In cases of severe frostbite, call University Health Services (UHS).

Laceration:

  1. Apply gentle pressure to the site with a clean cloth if the wound is bleeding.
  2. If the cut is gaping or deep, stitches may be required to close the wound and assist with healing. Call UHS if unsure as to whether stitches are necessary.

Immunization

An injury to the skin may increase susceptibility to tetanus. Tetanus is preventable by immunization, which consists of a basic series of three shots, usually given during infancy, followed by a booster shot every ten years. In the case of a puncture wound or cut, a booster shot may be recommended before ten years have passed.

When to consult a clinician

Consult a clinician if any of the following occur:

  • a deep, gaping wound that may require stitches
  • heat or increased warmth around the wound
  • fever
  • increased swelling
  • increased pain
  • pus draining from the wound
  • increased redness, or a red streak around or from the wound.