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What are Different Types of Wounds?

Nick Doniger
Nick Doniger

There are many different types of wounds ranging from mild to severe to potentially fatal. Contusions, small incisions, and abrasions tend to be non-threatening, though some may pose the risk of infection. Deep punctures, avulsions, and amputations, however, may be life threatening. In most cases, the risks posed by all types of injuries differ in severity based on the instrument causing them, the ease of blood flow, and the cleanness or jaggedness of the edges of the damaged skin.

Generally, the least severe type of injury is a contusion. Resulting from forceful contact to the skin, outer skin tissues from contusions generally appear intact and minimally harmed. They often appear as a discolored bruise and require little care. The risk of a deep hematoma, in which an abnormal amount of blood clots in a particular location, may be very serious though also unlikely. Despite the general lack of severity associated with most types of contusions, hematomas in or near the brain may be fatal.

Scrapes, also known as abrasions, are caused when shallow layers of skin are scraped off by contact with a surface.
Scrapes, also known as abrasions, are caused when shallow layers of skin are scraped off by contact with a surface.

Incisions are typical injuries caused by knives, razors, or glass pieces. Cuts tend to be clean, and the wound tends to bleed easily and freely. As flowing blood prevents microbes from entering, there is generally little risk of infection from incisions.

Sometimes skin is torn rather than cleanly cut, resulting in wounds known as lacerations. Such an injury has jagged, uneven edges, often caused by dull knives or machinery. Due to the possibility of dirt, grease, or other foreign objects being present in the instrument causing the wound, lacerations a prone to infection. The potential depth and irregular edges create an area which bacteria and other microbes may easily penetrate.

Amputations, which may be used to treat the most serious wounds, are when a limb is detached from the body.
Amputations, which may be used to treat the most serious wounds, are when a limb is detached from the body.

Punctures are similar to incisions, though with a small opening. Sharp objects such as nails, needles, or bullets may cause a puncture wound. Although punctures are often non-severe and possibly even medically sound, as is the case with vaccinations, bullet wounds and other deep punctures may pose infection and internal bleeding risks.

Abrasions, often known as scrapes, may be mild or severe types of injuries. Surfaces such as rugs, asphalt, or ropes rub against the skin, scraping shallow layers of the skin's surface. Due to close contact with materials in the surface scraped against, abrasions are susceptible to infection.

Some wounds are serious, life-threatening injuries and require immediate medical attention.
Some wounds are serious, life-threatening injuries and require immediate medical attention.

Another type of wound, known as an avulsion, takes place when skin tissue is physically torn away from a body part. Bleeding from avulsions tends to be heavy. The skin tissue can sometimes be re-attached to the body part it was torn from, pending its being salvaged quickly and with proper sanitary procedures.

One of the most potentially severe injuries is an amputation, in which a limb is removed from the body. Surgical amputations are performed by medical professionals, whereas traumatic amputations occur in hazardous situations. Heavy bleeding is imminent and the patient will go into shock. Re-attachment of the limb is often successful, and bleeding may be stopped or slowed with a device known as a tourniquet.

Discussion Comments

anon996281

My husband had a sore on the ball of his foot. I soaked it in Epsom salt. Before that it blistered and formed a pocket and erupted filled with blood. Now he slugged some skin and there's a small white core in the center. Help I don't know what to do now. --Jan

DanceShiya
Most wounds benefit from immediate treatment with an antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, raw/unprocessed apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. The burning sensation that frequently occurs during application is due to the killing of infection. Keep an eye on wounds to ensure they don't appear red and inflamed, as these are signs of infection. Multiple applications of an antiseptic each day is usually enough to treat the wound, depending on its size.
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    • Scrapes, also known as abrasions, are caused when shallow layers of skin are scraped off by contact with a surface.
      By: soupstock
      Scrapes, also known as abrasions, are caused when shallow layers of skin are scraped off by contact with a surface.
    • Amputations, which may be used to treat the most serious wounds, are when a limb is detached from the body.
      By: HBK
      Amputations, which may be used to treat the most serious wounds, are when a limb is detached from the body.
    • Some wounds are serious, life-threatening injuries and require immediate medical attention.
      By: corepics
      Some wounds are serious, life-threatening injuries and require immediate medical attention.
    • Wounds may be relatively minor and can be treated at home with basic first aid.
      By: Michaela Brandl
      Wounds may be relatively minor and can be treated at home with basic first aid.
    • Incisions are typical wounds caused by knives.
      By: DenisNata
      Incisions are typical wounds caused by knives.
    • Tourniquets may be applied after trauma to prevent blood loss.
      By: withGod
      Tourniquets may be applied after trauma to prevent blood loss.
    • A bruise is considered a minor hematoma.
      By: PeJo
      A bruise is considered a minor hematoma.
    • Wounds from bullets or gunfire can cause deep punctures that pose a serious risk to the victim.
      By: filodespada
      Wounds from bullets or gunfire can cause deep punctures that pose a serious risk to the victim.