Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Injuries and Wounds > Wounds: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Wounds

Alternate Names : Lacerations, Cuts

Wounds | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the treatments for the injury?

Treatment varies, depending on the type of wound. It is important to thoroughly wash the hands prior to giving first aid.

For treatment of scrapes:

  • Wash the scrape thoroughly with mild soap and water.
  • Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
  • Cover the area with a clean bandage.
  • For treatment of splinters:

  • Use clean tweezers to pull out the splinter at the same angle that it went in.
  • If the splinter is just under the skin, use a sterilized needle to lift it out.
  • Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water.
  • If there is a large area of open skin, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment.
  • Cover the area with a clean bandage as needed.
  • For treatment of cuts:

  • Consult a healthcare provider if the cut is deep, large, or long.
  • Wash the area thoroughly with mild soap and water.
  • Use direct pressure to control bleeding.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage as needed.
  • If the wound does not stop bleeding, contact the healthcare provider.
  • For treatment of puncture wounds:

  • Use a forceful stream of mild soap and water to rinse out the puncture wound.
  • Apply a clean bandage.
  • Seek medical attention for this type of wound.
  • For treatment of wounds with embedded objects:

  • Avoid removing the embedded object.
  • Gently cut away any clothing from around the wound.
  • Control the bleeding using indirect pressure.
  • Immobilize the patient while getting help.
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions.

    What happens after treatment for the injury?

    Most wounds are completely healed within 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to watch for signs of infection during the healing time. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Wounds: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Wounds: Attribution

    Author: James Broomfield, MD
    Reviewer: Sandy Keefe, RN, MSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/24/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006