Open Wound Due to Trauma

Overview

An open wound due to trauma is a break in the continuity of the skin and underlying tissues caused by external mechanical force. These injuries expose the internal structures to the external environment, creating a pathway for infection and requiring immediate medical attention. Open wounds can range from minor superficial cuts to severe deep lacerations that damage muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and bones.

The severity and complexity of traumatic open wounds depend on the mechanism of injury, the force involved, and the anatomical location. Common types include lacerations from sharp objects, abrasions from friction against rough surfaces, puncture wounds from pointed objects, and avulsion injuries where tissue is torn away. Each type presents unique challenges for treatment and healing, requiring different approaches to achieve optimal outcomes.

Proper management of open wounds is crucial to prevent complications such as infection, delayed healing, scarring, and loss of function. The goals of treatment include controlling bleeding, preventing infection, preserving function, and achieving the best possible cosmetic result. Early intervention, appropriate wound cleaning, and proper closure techniques when indicated can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Symptoms

Open wounds from trauma present with various symptoms depending on the type, location, and severity of the injury.

Primary Symptoms

Immediate Symptoms

Visible Wound Characteristics

• Open skin defect: Break in skin continuity
• Bleeding: Active or recently stopped
• Wound edges: Clean, jagged, or irregular
• Depth assessment: Superficial to deep
• Tissue exposure: Fat, muscle, or bone visible
• Debris or foreign material: Dirt, glass, or other objects

Pain and Discomfort

• Immediate sharp or burning pain
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Tenderness around wound edges
• Pain with movement or touch
• Varying intensity based on depth and location

Bleeding Characteristics

Types of Bleeding

• Capillary bleeding: Slow, oozing, bright red
• Venous bleeding: Steady flow, dark red
• Arterial bleeding: Pulsating, bright red, rapid
• Mixed bleeding: Combination of types

Bleeding Assessment

• Rate of blood loss
• Color of blood
• Clotting ability
• Response to pressure
• Volume of blood loss

Wound Types and Specific Symptoms

Lacerations

• Linear cuts with defined edges
• Varying depth and length
• May gape open
• Potential nerve or tendon damage
• Risk of contamination

Abrasions

• Superficial skin removal
• Raw, scraped appearance
• Embedded debris
• Burning or stinging pain
• Weeping or oozing

Puncture Wounds

• Small external opening
• Deep penetration
• Minimal external bleeding
• High infection risk
• Potential internal damage

Avulsion Injuries

• Tissue torn or pulled away
• Irregular wound edges
• Significant tissue loss
• Complex wound geometry
• Compromised blood supply

Associated Symptoms

Neurological Symptoms

• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of sensation
• Weakness in affected area
• Inability to move normally
• Burning or electric sensations

Vascular Symptoms

• Pallor or color changes
• Cool temperature
• Weak or absent pulse
• Delayed capillary refill
• Swelling from fluid accumulation

Signs of Complications

Infection Indicators

• Increasing redness around wound
• Warmth and heat
• Purulent drainage
• Foul odor
• Red streaking
• Fever and chills
• Increasing pain

Healing Complications

• Wound edges separating
• Delayed healing
• Excessive scarring
• Keloid formation
• Chronic drainage
• Tissue necrosis

Systemic Symptoms

In Severe Cases

• Shock symptoms (rapid pulse, low blood pressure)
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or altered mental state
• Rapid breathing

Location-Specific Symptoms

Hand and Wrist Wounds

• Difficulty gripping or grasping
• Finger movement limitations
• Swelling affecting function
• Tendon or nerve involvement
• Loss of fine motor control

Facial Wounds

• Cosmetic concerns
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Facial asymmetry
• Nerve damage symptoms
• Eye or mouth involvement

Emergency Warning Signs

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Signs of severe blood loss
• Exposed bone or deep structures
• Loss of function
• Signs of compartment syndrome
• Systemic infection symptoms

Causes

Open wounds due to trauma result from various mechanisms of injury involving external forces acting on the body.

Mechanism of Injury

Sharp Force Trauma

• Cutting instruments: Knives, razors, glass
• Household items: Kitchen knives, tools, broken glass
• Industrial equipment: Machinery, cutting tools
• Medical instruments: Surgical blades, needles
• Paper cuts: Minor but common lacerations

Blunt Force Trauma

• Falls: Impact with surfaces causing abrasions
• Motor vehicle accidents: Dashboard, window impacts
• Sports injuries: Contact sports, equipment
• Workplace accidents: Heavy machinery, tools
• Assault: Physical violence

Common Causes by Setting

Household Accidents

• Kitchen knife injuries
• Broken glass from dishes or windows
• Power tool accidents
• Gardening tool injuries
• DIY project mishaps
• Cleaning chemical cuts

Occupational Injuries

• Construction: Power tools, sharp materials
• Manufacturing: Machinery, cutting equipment
• Healthcare: Needlestick injuries, scalpels
• Food service: Knives, slicers, broken dishes
• Agriculture: Farm equipment, tools, animal injuries

Recreational Activities

• Sports: Contact injuries, equipment trauma
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, camping accidents
• Water sports: Boat propellers, sharp objects
• Cycling: Falls, spoke injuries
• Rock climbing: Sharp rock edges

Motor Vehicle Related

Crash Mechanisms

• Broken glass lacerations
• Metal edge cuts
• Road rash from ejection
• Penetrating injuries from debris
• Motorcycle sliding injuries

Environmental Causes

Natural Hazards

• Animal attacks: Bites, claws, stings
• Plant injuries: Thorns, sharp leaves
• Weather events: Hail, flying debris
• Natural disasters: Earthquake debris, tornado damage

Urban Environment

• Broken pavement causing falls
• Construction debris
• Vandalism with sharp objects
• Public transportation accidents
• Playground equipment injuries

Age-Specific Causes

Pediatric Injuries

• Playground accidents
• Bicycle and scooter falls
• Sharp toy injuries
• Kitchen accidents
• Glass door impacts

Elderly Injuries

• Falls with skin tearing
• Medication-related accidents
• Kitchen accidents due to decreased dexterity
• Garden tool injuries
• Skin fragility tears

Intentional Injuries

Self-Inflicted

• Self-harm behaviors
• Suicide attempts
• Accidental self-injury
• Occupational self-injury

Interpersonal Violence

• Assault with weapons
• Domestic violence
• Fighting injuries
• Criminal attacks

Contributing Factors

Personal Factors

• Alcohol or drug impairment
• Fatigue and inattention
• Risk-taking behavior
• Lack of safety training
• Medical conditions affecting coordination

Environmental Factors

• Poor lighting conditions
• Cluttered or hazardous environments
• Inadequate safety equipment
• Weather conditions
• Equipment malfunction

Wound Contamination Sources

Common Contaminants

• Dirt and soil: Bacterial contamination
• Glass fragments: Foreign body retention
• Metal particles: Rust, sharp edges
• Organic matter: Plant material, food particles
• Chemicals: Cleaning agents, industrial substances
• Road debris: Asphalt, gravel, oil

High-Risk Situations

• Working with sharp tools without protection
• Engaging in contact sports
• Operating machinery without proper training
• Drinking and engaging in risky activities
• Poor workplace safety conditions
• Inadequate protective equipment use

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of sustaining open wounds from trauma:

Occupational Risk Factors

• High-risk occupations: Construction, manufacturing, healthcare
• Tool and machinery use: Sharp instruments, power tools
• Inadequate safety training: Lack of proper education
• Poor safety protocols: Insufficient workplace policies
• Time pressure: Rushing leading to accidents
• Fatigue: Working long hours without adequate rest

Personal Risk Factors

Age-Related Factors

• Children: Increased accident-prone behavior
• Adolescents: Risk-taking behaviors
• Elderly: Skin fragility, decreased coordination
• Adults 20-40: High activity and occupational exposure

Physical Factors

• Poor coordination or balance
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Muscle weakness or fatigue
• Joint problems affecting dexterity
• Medication effects on alertness

Behavioral Risk Factors

• Alcohol or substance use: Impaired judgment and coordination
• Risk-taking behavior: Engaging in dangerous activities
• Inattention: Distraction during activities
• Rushing: Not taking time for safety measures
• Ignoring safety protocols: Skipping protective measures
• Overconfidence: Assuming immunity from injury

Environmental Risk Factors

Home Environment

• Cluttered living spaces
• Poor lighting conditions
• Sharp objects left accessible
• Broken or damaged items
• Inadequate safety equipment
• Children's access to dangerous items

Workplace Environment

• Inadequate safety equipment
• Poor workplace organization
• Insufficient lighting
• Lack of proper training
• Pressure to work quickly
• Equipment maintenance issues

Medical Risk Factors

Conditions Affecting Wound Risk

• Diabetes: Poor circulation and healing
• Blood clotting disorders: Increased bleeding risk
• Immunocompromised states: Infection risk
• Peripheral vascular disease: Poor circulation
• Skin conditions: Fragile or compromised skin
• Connective tissue disorders: Abnormal healing

Medications

• Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
• Corticosteroids (impaired healing)
• Sedatives or muscle relaxants
• Medications affecting coordination
• Chemotherapy drugs

Lifestyle Risk Factors

• Active lifestyle: Sports and recreational activities
• DIY activities: Home improvement projects
• Outdoor activities: Hiking, camping, gardening
• Contact sports: Football, hockey, martial arts
• Motor sports: Motorcycling, racing
• Adventure sports: Rock climbing, skydiving

Social and Economic Factors

• Lower socioeconomic status
• Limited access to safety equipment
• Poor housing conditions
• Neighborhood violence levels
• Limited healthcare access
• Educational level affecting safety awareness

Seasonal and Weather Factors

• Winter: Ice-related falls, holiday cooking accidents
• Spring: Gardening and yard work injuries
• Summer: Outdoor activities, swimming accidents
• Fall: Ladder accidents, leaf cleanup
• Storms: Flying debris, emergency repairs

Gender-Specific Risks

Male Risk Factors

• Higher occupational injury rates
• More risk-taking behavior
• Sports-related injuries
• Tool and machinery use
• Violence-related injuries

Female Risk Factors

• Kitchen-related injuries
• Domestic violence
• Certain occupational exposures
• Jewelry-related cuts
• Household accident patterns

Preventable Risk Factors

• Lack of proper safety equipment
• Inadequate training
• Poor safety awareness
• Neglecting protective measures
• Environmental hazards
• Substance use during activities

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of open wounds due to trauma involves systematic assessment to determine severity, depth, and treatment needs.

Initial Assessment

Primary Survey

• Airway: Ensure patent airway
• Breathing: Assess respiratory status
• Circulation: Control bleeding, check pulse
• Disability: Neurological assessment
• Exposure: Full wound visualization

Vital Signs

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Heart rate assessment
• Respiratory rate
• Temperature measurement
• Oxygen saturation
• Pain scale assessment

Wound Assessment

Visual Inspection

• Size: Length, width, depth measurements
• Location: Anatomical position
• Shape: Linear, stellate, irregular
• Edges: Clean, jagged, undermined
• Depth: Superficial to deep structures
• Contamination: Foreign material present

Wound Classification

• Superficial: Epidermis only
• Partial thickness: Into dermis
• Full thickness: Through dermis to subcutaneous
• Deep: Into muscle, tendon, or bone
• Complex: Multiple tissue types involved

Functional Assessment

Neurological Evaluation

• Sensation testing: Light touch, pin prick
• Motor function: Muscle strength testing
• Nerve integrity: Specific nerve function
• Reflexes: Deep tendon reflexes
• Coordination: Fine motor skills

Vascular Assessment

• Pulse examination: Distal pulses
• Capillary refill: Perfusion assessment
• Color and temperature: Circulation evaluation
• Bleeding pattern: Arterial vs. venous
• Doppler studies: If indicated

Musculoskeletal Assessment

• Range of motion: Active and passive
• Tendon function: Specific tendon testing
• Joint stability: Ligament integrity
• Bone integrity: Palpation for fractures
• Muscle strength: Power grading

Diagnostic Testing

Imaging Studies

• X-rays: Rule out fractures, foreign bodies
• CT scan: Complex wounds, suspected foreign bodies
• MRI: Soft tissue evaluation
• Ultrasound: Vascular assessment, foreign bodies
• Angiography: Vascular injury evaluation

Laboratory Tests

• Complete blood count: Assess blood loss
• Coagulation studies: Bleeding disorders
• Basic metabolic panel: Overall health status
• Tetanus status: Immunization history
• Type and screen: Blood transfusion preparation

Contamination Assessment

Foreign Body Detection

• Visual identification
• Palpation for embedded objects
• Imaging for radiopaque materials
• Ultrasound for non-radiopaque objects
• Wound exploration if indicated

Contamination Level

• Clean: Minimal contamination
• Clean-contaminated: Minor contamination
• Contaminated: Significant debris
• Dirty-infected: Gross contamination

Risk Stratification

Infection Risk Assessment

• Mechanism of injury
• Contamination level
• Time since injury
• Patient immune status
• Wound location
• Tissue viability

Healing Risk Factors

• Patient age
• Nutritional status
• Smoking history
• Diabetes or other medical conditions
• Medications affecting healing
• Previous wound healing problems

Documentation

Wound Documentation

• Detailed written description
• Photographic documentation
• Wound measurements
• Anatomical diagrams
• Mechanism of injury
• Time of injury

Assessment Findings

• Neurological function
• Vascular status
• Musculoskeletal function
• Contamination assessment
• Associated injuries
• Treatment plan

Specialized Evaluations

Plastic Surgery Consultation

• Complex facial wounds
• Hand injuries with functional concerns
• Large tissue defects
• Cosmetically sensitive areas
• Failed primary repair

Orthopedic Consultation

• Suspected tendon injuries
• Joint involvement
• Compartment syndrome concern
• Bone exposure
• Complex hand injuries

Treatment Options

Treatment of open wounds due to trauma focuses on achieving hemostasis, preventing infection, and promoting optimal healing.

Emergency Management

Immediate Care

• Hemorrhage control: Direct pressure, elevation
• Airway management: If compromised
• IV access: Fluid resuscitation if needed
• Pain control: Appropriate analgesia
• Tetanus prophylaxis: Update if indicated
• Antibiotic prophylaxis: For high-risk wounds

Advanced Hemorrhage Control

• Pressure bandages: Sustained pressure
• Hemostatic agents: Clotting promoters
• Tourniquets: Extremity hemorrhage
• Surgical intervention: Vessel ligation
• Blood transfusion: Significant blood loss

Wound Preparation

Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia: Lidocaine, bupivacaine
• Regional blocks: Nerve blocks
• Topical anesthetics: LET gel, EMLA
• Sedation: For anxious patients
• General anesthesia: Complex repairs

Wound Cleaning and Irrigation

• Irrigation solution: Normal saline, sterile water
• Pressure irrigation: Remove debris and bacteria
• Debridement: Remove devitalized tissue
• Foreign body removal: Complete extraction
• Antiseptic preparation: Surrounding skin

Wound Closure Techniques

Primary Closure

• Simple sutures: Non-absorbable or absorbable
• Mattress sutures: Vertical or horizontal
• Running sutures: Continuous closure
• Skin adhesives: Tissue glue
• Skin strips: Adhesive closures
• Staples: Rapid closure option

Delayed Primary Closure

• Contaminated wounds
• High infection risk
• Initial cleaning and observation
• Closure after 3-5 days
• Lower infection rates

Secondary Closure

• Healing by secondary intention
• Severely contaminated wounds
• Tissue loss present
• Daily wound care
• Longer healing time

Complex Wound Management

Skin Grafts

• Split-thickness grafts: Large defects
• Full-thickness grafts: Smaller, visible areas
• Donor site selection: Hidden areas
• Graft fixation: Secure attachment
• Post-graft care: Immobilization

Flap Reconstruction

• Local flaps: Adjacent tissue
• Regional flaps: Distant same region
• Free flaps: Microsurgical transfer
• Muscle flaps: Deep defect coverage
• Fascial flaps: Thin coverage

Specialized Treatments

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

• Complex or large wounds
• Promotes granulation tissue
• Reduces edema
• Removes exudate
• Accelerates healing

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

• Non-healing wounds
• Compromised tissue
• Enhanced oxygen delivery
• Improved healing
• Reduced infection risk

Infection Prevention and Treatment

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

• High-risk wounds: Contaminated, puncture
• Immunocompromised patients: Increased risk
• Specific locations: Hands, feet, genitals
• Animal or human bites: High infection risk
• Duration: 3-5 days typically

Treatment of Established Infection

• Culture and sensitivity: Targeted therapy
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics: Initial treatment
• Wound care: Drainage, cleaning
• Surgical intervention: If severe
• Systemic support: If septic

Pain Management

Acute Pain Control

• NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory effects
• Acetaminophen: Basic pain relief
• Opioids: Severe pain, short-term
• Topical anesthetics: Localized relief
• Cold therapy: Reduce swelling and pain

Chronic Pain Management

• Multimodal approach
• Physical therapy
• Psychological support
• Nerve blocks if indicated
• Activity modification

Follow-Up Care

Wound Monitoring

• Regular inspection: Signs of infection
• Dressing changes: Keep wound clean
• Suture removal: Appropriate timing
• Activity restrictions: Protect healing
• Patient education: Warning signs

Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy: Restore function
• Occupational therapy: Activities of daily living
• Scar management: Minimize scarring
• Range of motion: Prevent stiffness
• Strength training: Gradual progression

Outcome Optimization

• Nutrition optimization: Protein, vitamins
• Smoking cessation: Improve healing
• Diabetic control: Optimize glucose
• Infection prevention: Good hygiene
• Follow-up compliance: Regular monitoring
• Early intervention: Address problems promptly

Prevention

Prevention of open wounds from trauma involves implementing safety measures across various environments and activities.

Home Safety

Kitchen Safety

• Proper knife handling: Cut away from body, stable surface
• Sharp knife maintenance: Keep knives sharp and clean
• Safe storage: Knife blocks, magnetic strips
• Glass safety: Handle carefully, dispose properly
• Equipment maintenance: Keep appliances in good repair
• First aid supplies: Keep accessible in kitchen

General Home Safety

• Install adequate lighting in all areas
• Keep walkways clear of obstacles
• Secure loose rugs and carpets
• Install safety gates for children
• Lock away sharp objects from children
• Maintain tools and equipment properly

Workplace Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety gloves: Cut-resistant materials
• Safety glasses: Eye protection
• Hard hats: Head protection
• Steel-toed boots: Foot protection
• Cut-resistant clothing: Body protection
• Face shields: Additional face protection

Safe Work Practices

• Follow proper training procedures
• Use tools as designed
• Maintain equipment regularly
• Report unsafe conditions
• Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures

Sports and Recreation Safety

Protective Equipment

• Helmets: Cycling, skating, contact sports
• Padding: Knee, elbow, shin guards
• Proper footwear: Activity-appropriate shoes
• Eye protection: Racquet sports, cycling
• Gloves: Cycling, weightlifting

Activity Guidelines

• Learn proper techniques
• Warm up before activities
• Know your limits
• Avoid activities when impaired
• Check equipment before use
• Play within rules and guidelines

Vehicle Safety

Motor Vehicle Safety

• Seatbelt use: Always wear properly
• Safe driving: Follow traffic laws
• Vehicle maintenance: Keep in good repair
• Avoid distractions: No texting while driving
• Don't drink and drive: Use alternative transportation

Motorcycle Safety

• Wear protective gear
• Use DOT-approved helmet
• Wear long pants and sleeves
• Use reflective gear
• Take safety courses
• Avoid riding in bad weather

Child Safety

Age-Appropriate Measures

• Infants and toddlers: Childproofing, constant supervision
• Preschoolers: Safety education, supervised activities
• School age: Rules and consequences, safety training
• Adolescents: Risk awareness, peer pressure education

Environmental Safety

• Secure sharp objects and tools
• Install safety latches and locks
• Use corner guards on furniture
• Maintain playground equipment
• Supervise outdoor activities
• Teach pedestrian safety

Personal Safety Strategies

Risk Assessment

• Evaluate environment before activities
• Identify potential hazards
• Plan safety measures
• Have emergency plans
• Know first aid basics
• Keep emergency contacts accessible

Behavioral Modifications

• Stay alert and focused
• Avoid rushing through tasks
• Don't take unnecessary risks
• Use proper technique for activities
• Ask for help when needed
• Stop when tired or impaired

Community Safety

Public Health Measures

• Injury prevention programs
• Safety education in schools
• Workplace safety regulations
• Product safety standards
• Emergency response systems
• Violence prevention programs

Infrastructure Safety

• Well-maintained roads and sidewalks
• Proper lighting in public areas
• Safe playground design
• Building code enforcement
• Traffic safety measures
• Emergency services accessibility

First Aid Preparedness

Home First Aid Kit

• Sterile gauze and bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes
• Disposable gloves
• Emergency phone numbers
• First aid manual

Basic First Aid Training

• Wound care basics
• Bleeding control
• When to seek medical care
• Emergency response
• CPR certification
• Regular training updates

Technology and Safety

• Safety apps: Emergency contact systems
• Wearable devices: Fall detection, emergency alerts
• Home automation: Safety monitoring systems
• Vehicle technology: Collision avoidance systems
• Communication devices: Emergency communication

When to See a Doctor

Open wounds from trauma require different levels of medical attention depending on severity and circumstances.

Seek Emergency Care Immediately

• Uncontrolled bleeding despite direct pressure
• Large, deep wounds exposing bone, muscle, or internal organs
• Wounds on face, hands, genitals, or joints
• Signs of severe blood loss (dizziness, weakness, pale skin)
• Suspected nerve, tendon, or blood vessel damage
• Wounds from high-velocity impacts
• Amputated body parts
• Wounds with embedded objects (don't remove)

Go to Urgent Care or ER Within Hours

• Wounds longer than 1/2 inch or deeper than 1/4 inch
• Gaping wounds that won't stay closed
• Wounds that won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
• Puncture wounds, especially if deep
• Animal or human bites
• Wounds contaminated with dirt, glass, or debris
• Loss of function in affected area
• Numbness or inability to move normally

Schedule Appointment Within 24-48 Hours

• Minor cuts that might need sutures
• Wounds in cosmetically important areas
• Uncertain tetanus vaccination status
• High infection risk (diabetes, immunocompromised)
• Wounds that you're unsure how to care for
• Multiple small wounds
• Road rash or abrasions with embedded debris

Call Doctor If Wound Shows Signs of Infection

• Increasing redness spreading from wound
• Red streaking leading away from wound
• Increasing pain after initial 24-48 hours
• Purulent (pus) drainage
• Foul odor from wound
• Fever or chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Wound edges separating

High-Risk Situations Requiring Medical Care

Patient Risk Factors

• Diabetes: Higher infection risk, poor healing
• Immunocompromised: Chemotherapy, steroids, HIV
• Blood clotting disorders: Bleeding disorders
• Poor circulation: Peripheral vascular disease
• Age extremes: Very young or elderly
• Medications: Blood thinners, steroids

Wound Characteristics

• Contaminated wounds (soil, feces, saliva)
• Crush injuries
• Wounds from rusty or dirty objects
• Injuries in water (lakes, ponds, ocean)
• Wounds with jagged or irregular edges
• Puncture wounds to hands or feet

Tetanus Considerations

High-Risk Wounds for Tetanus

• Puncture wounds
• Wounds contaminated with soil or feces
• Crush injuries
• Burns
• Wounds with devitalized tissue
• Any wound if tetanus status unknown

Tetanus Vaccination Guidelines

• Clean wounds: Vaccine if >10 years since last
• Dirty wounds: Vaccine if >5 years since last
• Unknown status: Vaccine and immunoglobulin
• Incomplete series: Complete vaccination series

What to Tell Healthcare Provider

• Mechanism of injury: How wound occurred
• Time of injury: When it happened
• Object involved: What caused the wound
• Environment: Where injury occurred
• First aid given: What was done initially
• Medical history: Relevant conditions and medications
• Tetanus status: Last vaccination date
• Allergies: Medications, materials

Home Care vs. Professional Care

Appropriate for Home Care

• Small, shallow cuts
• Clean wounds with straight edges
• Bleeding controlled with pressure
• No signs of deep structure damage
• Recent tetanus vaccination
• No high-risk factors

Requires Professional Care

• Large or deep wounds
• Gaping edges
• Functional impairment
• Heavy contamination
• High infection risk
• Cosmetic concerns
• Patient anxiety or uncertainty

Follow-Up Care Guidelines

• Return if wound doesn't heal as expected
• Schedule suture removal appointment
• Follow up for complex wounds
• Return if any concerning symptoms develop
• Physical therapy referral if needed
• Scar management consultation

Related Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions