Types of wounds and their treatment

Incised wounds. A wound inflicted by a sharp instrument and can be closed as a surgical incision, provided that the wound has not been grossly contaminated with virulent organisms. But it should be remembered that these wounds are always contaminated.

The skin around an incised wound should be treated with antiseptic solution. If the wound is filled with dirt and foreign material, it should be thoroughly rinsed with sterile sa­line to remove as much contamination as possible.

Lacerated wounds. Lacerated wounds are caused by blunt instruments or by blows which tear the tissues. The edges of lacerated wounds are ragged, and there is more damage to the tis­sues than in incised wounds. Contamination is usually more marked, and the susceptibility to in­fection is greater.

Puncture wounds. Puncture wounds, inflicted by pointed instruments such as a nail require no surgical treatment unless important structures are damaged. But it is well to immobilize the part and to use chemotherapy.

Abrasions. Abrasions are caused by friction. The epidermis and some of the deeper layers of the skin are lost, and a base is left which is identical with that of a second de­gree burn. These wounds should be treated as burns, that is to say, washed clean to remove any dirt and covered with a bland ointment or vaseline gauze dressing.

Avulsion. When pieces of skin and subcutaneous tissue are avulsed the defect either should be closed by primarysuture or should be covered with a skin graft.

Answer the Questions to the Text:

1. What instrument is an incised wound inflicted by?

2. Can incised wounds be closed as a surgical incision? On what conditions?

3. Are incised wounds always contaminated?

4. How should the skin around an incised wound be treated?

5. What instruments are lacerated wounds caused by?

6. What are the edges of lacerated wounds?

7. Is there more damage to the tis­sues in incised wounds or in lacerated wounds?

8. Is contamination usually more or less marked in lacerated wounds than in incised wounds?

9. Is the susceptibility to in­fection greater in lacerated wounds?

10. What instruments are puncture wounds inflicted by?

11. What are abrasions caused by?

12. How should abrasions be treated?

13. How should avulsion be closed?