We are all exposed to multiple accidents, including open or deep wounds that require medical attention, applying stitches, or performing a surgical procedure to eliminate the damage caused. This type of injury usually occurs at the level of the extremities, especially in the elbows and knees, and usually occurs in accidents that, in the long run, if not treated correctly, can end up being severe.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we want to explain how to heal an open and deep wound so that you know how to act in these situations.
Table of Contents
Deep and open wound: symptoms
A deep open wound is an injury in which tissue ruptures and the skin is separated. The depth of the damage will depend on the cause that causes it and the area of the body in which it occurs. The skin covers the body and acts as a protective layer; that is why when it breaks and causes a wound, the first thing that becomes evident when suffering severe open damage is:
- Bleeding
- Functional limitation of the area where the damage is.
- Pain according to the depth of the damage and the object that caused it.
But not all wounds are the same; depending on the cause, they are of one type or another; symptoms and complications can also vary. Next, we explain what the different types of open wounds are:
- Abrasion: This occurs when the skin is rubbed with either a rough or hard surface. Generally, this wound bleeds minor. However, infections can occur if it is not given proper care.
- Incision: this is produced by a sharp and cutting object such as a knife or glass that causes an incision, these wounds bleed a lot, and if it is deep, they can damage tendons or internal organs. Immediate medical help should be sought if vital organs such as blood vessels or nerves are involved.
- Lacerations: This is an irregular injury or tear; its rough edges bleed rapidly and profusely.
- Puncture: this wound is caused by a pointed object such as a nail or needle; it can be deep and bleed. The bites caused by animals and even humans themselves fall into this group; the depth and even the bleeding are directly related to the size of the object and the force with which the wound is made.
- Penetrants: can reach internal organs and can be life-threatening.
- By firearm: it is also considered a penetrating wound; the bullet enters in a straight line and can cause severe damage as it advances along its route, endangering the life of the person who suffers it.
How to heal a deep open wound
In most cases, a deep and open wound requires special care and medical attention; sometimes, the application of stitches are needed, and some surgical procedure, such as cleaning the area or removing remains of dead skin or damaged.
In cases where the open wound has a depth greater than 1 centimeter, and there is bleeding, which despite applying direct pressure, persists for more than 20 minutes, a doctor should be seen urgently. These wounds have a higher risk of infection, so they require more excellent care to prevent infections. Healing open wounds can be difficult and counterproductive for those without medical knowledge. If the case we have just explained occurs, you should go to a medical center.
Treatment of open wounds
- Inspect the wound and perform asepsis and antisepsis.
- Subsequently, local anesthesia should be applied if stitches need to be placed.
- Tetanus reinforcement should be placed if a puncture caused the wound.
- An antibiotic should be indicated to counteract its effects if an infection is evident, accompanied by analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
Complications of a deep open wound
The complications that a deep open wound can present are infections and inflammations. In case of difficulty, the first thing to appear is:
- Increase in volume with changes in the area’s color where the wound is located, accompanied by pain and bleeding.
- A foul-smelling green or yellow purulent discharge and fever and palpable lymphadenopathy at the axillary and groin level. The infectious picture prevents the wound from healing.
In cases where the patient’s life is at risk, they should be taken to the operating room, perform a surgical cleaning and apply intravenous antibiotic therapy. In an infected wound, the following complications can occur :
- Tetanus: produced by tetanus bacteria.
- Cellulitis: infectious process at the level of the skin.
- Gangrene: the loss and death of tissues.
How long do open wounds take to heal
It is not possible to speak of a specific recovery time since it depends on many factors, such as the type of wound, the patient’s state of health, the treatment that has been carried out, or the environment in which the patient moves. If a wound is not treated correctly, it can become chronic and not heal. That is why below we explain the warning signs in an injury that should make you visit the doctor immediately:
- Presence of fever.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Sharp and persistent pain.
- Inflammation of the wound area.
- Presence of pus.
- Permanent bleeding
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to heal an open wound, we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.