Puncture Wounds, Scrapes, Cuts: First Aid

This stormy season can bring an increase in cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds.

In the event of these types of injuries, doctors from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center advised the first step to take is to assess if the wound is serious. Taking immediate action can help injuries heal faster and prevent infection. They noted, however, most often these injuries will not require a trip to the emergency department.

Simple first-aid is often enough to treat cuts and scrapes from untoward incidents this season brings. When treating a minor wound, these following tips can help:

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an antibacterial cleanser.
• Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth, paper towel or piece of gauze to the injured area to stop the bleeding.
• Clean the wound with cool water and mild soap, and gently dry the area.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound to reduce the risk for infection.
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
• Change the bandage regularly. Do so at least daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
• Watch for signs of infection. See your doctor if the wound doesn’t heal or if you notice any redness, drainage, warmth or swelling.

Cases that require emergency medical attention are the following:

• Wounds that are very large or bleeding excessively.
• Injuries that are on the face or near a bone.
• Injuries that have caused people to lose feeling or function in the affected area.
• Injuries caused by a human or animal bite.
• Wounds caused by a rusty object.
• Wounds with objects or debris stuck inside.
• Contaminated with soil or saliva
• Deep wounds

A doctor should also be consulted about wounds that do not appear to be healing after 48 hours or injuries that are red, swollen, pus-filled or show other signs of infection.

The experts noted that getting the tetanus vaccine can help protect against the serious bacteria-borne illness that infects the body through cuts and puncture wounds. They pointed out that protection against tetanus doesn’t last a lifetime and adults should get a tetanus booster shot every five to 10 years especially within 48 hours of the injury. (Adapted by RSC)

Source: healthfinder.gov, www.mayoclinic.com

(Image credit: www.ndtv.com)