Introduction
Traumatic wounds are often defined as cuts, lacerations, or puncture wounds which have caused damage to both the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues. There are three categories that make up traumatic wounds, acute, cuts, and penetrating wounds.
- Acute Wound: Typically contains foreign bodies, like gravel, glass, metal or sand.
- Cut Wound: Result of something sharp penetrating skin and underlying tissues.
- Penetrating Wound: Most severe, often occur as a result of stabbing or gunshot.
Causes of Traumatic Wounds
- Cuts/stabs from knives
- Scraping of the skin against rough surface
- Cuts from metal, glass or wood
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Gunshots/bullet wounds
- Animal bites
- Falls
- Hazardous work environments like construction sites
- Skin tears
Characteristics of Acute Traumatic Wounds
- Pain Level: Dependent on severity, can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
- Appearance: Clean lacerations, tissue may be visible along the inside of the wound. Redness and swelling may appear around the wound. Bleeding varies based on the severity of the wound.
- Exudate: Amount and type of fluid varies depending on severity of wound.
- Color: Redness (sign of healthy healing), yellow (sign of slough or fatty tissue), black (presence of necrotic tissue).
- Size and Shape: Can vary from scrape on elbow to road rash covering a large portion of the body.
Characteristics of Cut Traumatic Wound
- Types: Lacerations, puncture wounds, avulsions, crush injuries.
- Pain Level: Ranges from mild to severe depending on the injury.
- Appearance: Wound may be smooth from clean cut or jagged from a tear or laceration. Inflammation may appear around the wound site. May include damage to skin, subcutaneous tissue, and tendons, muscles, and nerves.
- Exudate: Amount and type of fluid varies depending on severity of wound.
- Color: Redness (sign of healthy healing), yellow (sign of slough or fatty tissue), black (presence of necrotic tissue).
- Size and Shape: Superficial to deep, depending on severity can involve underlying structures like tendons, muscles, or nerves.
Characteristics of Penetrating Traumatic Wounds
- Pain Level: Dependent on severity, can typically be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
- Appearance: Skin is broken with underlying tissues exposed. Fragments of penetrating object may be lodged in wound. Depending on location and severing, bleeding can range from mild to severe.
- Exudate: Amount and type of fluid varies depending on severity of wound.
- Size and Shape: Entry wound is typically small and circular or linear.
Treatment of Traumatic Wounds
With the variety of traumatic wounds, treatment can range from simple cleaning and dressing to more extensive that may require surgical intervention. The goal of healing traumatic wounds involves repairing the damage to the underlying tissue, removing foreign particles, and allowing the wound to drain.
If you have a traumatic wound, we will work to determine what type of treatment is best for you.
Prevention of Traumatic Wounds
- Use caution when handling sharp objects
- Wear protective gear when necessary
- Keep skin moisturized to prevent cracks and minor injuries
- Consider removing rugs or electric cables for your pathway