Introduction
Wound healing is defined as a complex and continuous active
progression of skin’s self method to restore its broken cellular structures and
damaged tissue layers in order to protect itself from further harm. Skin is the
organ most susceptible to any injury, minor cut, laceration or rupture due to plenty of outside sources, hence gets easily damaged.
This repair process is adopted by skin to maintain the integrity of its
superficial and deep layers.
How many types of
wound formations are there?
·
Inflammation
A provocative response by skin and manifestation of clinical
signs like warmth, erythema and swelling.
·
Superficial
wound
It is formed after rubbing of skin on abrasive or rough
surface to cause friction. Only outer layer is damaged while deep layers are intact.
·
Puncture
wounds
Injuries like knife stab, stepping on an iron nail results
in a puncture wound where the points of these objects re sharp and can
extensively damage skin.
·
Deep
abrasion
A long deep cut to penetrate till muscular or bony level.
·
Animal bites
It can result in a surface wound, deep abrasion or puncture
wound depending upon the extent of bite.
·
Pressure
sores
Commonly found in immobilized patients, or wheel chair bound
patients. Ulcers are seen on buttocks, elbows, ankles or shoulders due to
persistent pressure over bony area or one particular area.
Is medical opinion
necessary?
An effective wound therapy starts with earliest possible medical care. Most
of the wounds have been observed to heal with time and adequate dressing but it
is of great concern if the wound occurs after a high trauma with damage to
other body part also. Bleeding may be excessive in some cases but the patient
must go to a hospital if bleeding is not controlled with other resorts like elevation
and pressing the wound tightly. Apart from these, factors like pus, swelling or
an instance of animal bite must be taken into consideration.
Treatment for various
wounds
Before imparting wounds management to the patient, it is beneficial to record
patient history related to the severity and extent of trauma, any other injury,
body pain, medical history like diabetes, renal insufficiency etc. After this
there must be a thorough examination of wound for depth of cut while cleansing
simultaneously. Wound is irrigated with normal saline and covered with sterile
dressing. Some wounds require suturing which is recommended before 12 hours to
lower infection risk. Tetanus immunization and antibiotics are given if the
wound is formed after animal bite.
Wound care
Minor wounds are best cleaned with antiseptics followed by
application of antibacterial cream and bandage to cover the wound. A direct
pressure is given on the wound along with gently elevating the area to stop
bleeding. The dead cells and debris is washed away under running water. Scrubbing
is strictly avoided in all wound types.
