June 11, 2020
Accidents happen and when they do, we’re often left with some kind of injury, usually a wound. One of the most common is an open wound. According to Healthline, an open wound is characterized by an internal or external break in tissue, often involving the skin. But not all open wounds are the same. Knowing what type of wound you have is essential to properly treating it, allowing it to heal faster. Let’s check out the different types!
Abrasion
This type of wound is usually the result of your skin scraping against a harsh surface, removing a layer of the skin. Abrasions are not very deep wounds and heal quite quickly. However, they need to be thoroughly cleaned to avoid infection. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, they are classified into three categories:
- Linear or scratch abrasions: the simplest of injuries
- Grazed or brush abrasions: a mid-range injury; ex. a brush burn
- Patterned abrasion: the most severe of the three types; can be further sub-classified as pressure abrasion and impact abrasion
Avulsion
A severe type of wound in which multiple or all layers of the skin and tissue are ripped off is known as an avulsion. These are very serious and cause the injured to lose a great deal of blood if the bleeding is not stopped right away. They can be caused by a multitude of things, including a car accident, an animal attack, or an accident involving heavy machinery.
Laceration
A laceration is a form of cut or tears in the skin, often caused by accidents involving machines. Blunt trauma may also cause the skin to tear, resulting in a laceration. These types of injuries can be deep or shallow, long and short; they are not limited to just skin either. Tissue and muscles may also be lacerated.
Puncture Wound – Small But Potentially Severe Wounds
While they may seem similar to a laceration, these wounds differ as they are generally much smaller and result from an object such as a knife or a needle puncturing through the skin. Minor puncture wounds often heal quickly, whereas major wounds caused by something as serious as a gunshot can damage organs and take months to heal, or even be fatal. No matter how small the puncture wound is, you should be sure that you’re up to date on your tetanus shot so that it does not become infected.
Incision
Lastly, we have incisions. Most of the time, these are the result of surgery or a medical procedure. The medical professional cuts into the tissue to uncover bones or organs that they need to repair. Incisions often bleed a great deal and almost always require sutures or in some cases, staples.
Accelerate Healing of Wounds With Gladiator Therapeutics
Now that you know what the different types of open wounds are, it’s time to get on the road to recovery. Gladiator Therapeutics can help accelerate the healing process through the use of far infrared therapy.
NOTE: Content included here is not medical advice, and only is intended as information for adults. Always consult with your health care professional before making changes to diet, exercise, medication, or before use of any product or device.