Types of Wounds and Their Specific Care Needs

When you have an open wound, the wound needs special care to avoid infection and delayed healing. Proper wound care can help you heal faster and better, so you can get back to your life.  A wound specialist can help.  Dr. Scott Grover at Cache Valley Surgical Consultants in Logan, UT, offers a full range of surgical services, including wound care, to help you heal.

What You Need To Know About Open Wounds and Wound Care

When you have an open wound, it means that the skin has opened and exposed underlying tissues. You may experience an open wound from:

• A severe fall
• A vehicular accident
• A sports injury
• Exposure of your skin to a sharp object
• Chronic medical issues such as venous insufficiency or diabetic foot wounds

 There are four different types of minor open wounds, including:

• Abrasions - these happen when your skin rubs against a rough surface
• Lacerations - these happen when you cut or tear your skin with a knife, machinery, or other sharp object
• Punctures - these happen when the skin is pierced with a pointed, sharp object, such as a bullet, needle, or nail
• Avulsions - these happen when the skin is partially or completely removed and are caused by violent events such as accidents, explosions, or gunshots

 For minor open wounds, you may be able to treat them yourself. Remember to:

• Cleanse the area thoroughly
• Apply pressure to stop bleeding
• Apply ice if the area is swelling
• Use sterile gauze or a dressing to bandage the wound
• Use antibiotic ointment or Medihoney to help prevent infection
• Take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication

 Moderate to severe open wounds or chronic wounds should be seen by a doctor.

Depending on the type and size of the wound, its location, the presence of infection, and other factors, Dr. Grover may:

• Cleanse the wound and leave it open to heal naturally
• Use sutures, skin glue, or other treatments to close the wound
• Administer a tetanus injection if indicated
• Prescribe antibiotics if indicated

 In addition to providing wound care for complex wounds, Dr. Grover also provides hyperbaric oxygen treatments at the Cache Valley Hospital Wound Clinic, which can help increase healing properties in more severe wounds including burns, diabetic-related ulcers, and skin grafts.

Want To Know More?

To find out more about the types of wounds and their specific care, talk with an expert.  Call Dr. Grover at Cache Valley Surgical Consultants in Logan, UT. You can reach him in the office by calling (435) 752-7122, so call today.  You can also call Dr. Grover or a wound care nurse at Cache Valley Hospital Wound Care and Hyperbaric clinic at (435) 713-1350.