Wounds

Wound

A break in the continuity of body tissues, ranging from minor cuts to severe lacerations or punctures.

Open Wound

A wound characterized by a break in the skin or mucous membrane, exposing underlying tissues.

Abrasions

Superficial wounds caused by rubbing or scraping against a rough surface.

Lacerations

Irregular tears in the skin and underlying tissue, often caused by blunt force trauma.

Incisions

Clean, sharp cuts in the skin, typically caused by a sharp object like a knife.

Puncture Wound

A wound caused by a sharp, pointed object penetrating the skin.

Avulsions

Wounds where a portion of the skin and underlying tissue is torn completely or partially away.

Gunshot Wound

Complex wounds caused by projectiles from firearms, often involving significant tissue damage.

Closed Wound

Damage to underlying tissues without a break in the skin; the skin remains intact.

Contusions

Bruises caused by blunt force trauma that damages capillaries, leading to bleeding under the skin.

Hematoma

A collection of blood outside blood vessels, often forming a palpable lump.

Crush Injury

Tissue damage caused by extreme pressure on a body part.

Hemostasis

The immediate response in wound healing involving vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation to form a clot.

Inflammation

The phase of wound healing where immune cells migrate to the wound site to clear debris and pathogens.

Proliferation

The phase of wound healing where granulation tissue forms and epithelial cells cover the wound surface.

Remodeling/Maturation

The final phase of wound healing where collagen fibers reorganize and strengthen.

Factors Affecting Wound Healing

Various elements like nutrition, infection, blood supply, age, and chronic diseases influencing wound healing.

General Wound Care Principles

Guidelines for promoting healing, preventing infection, and minimizing scarring.

Infection

A significant complication in wounds that may delay healing and lead to tissue damage.

Delayed Healing

Impaired wound healing due to inadequate nutrition, poor blood supply, and chronic diseases.