Understanding the 7 Types of Wounds

Any bodily injury often results in a wound – a break in the skin or any other part of the body. Wounds range in severity from mild to life-threatening and may require serious medical care.

Many types of wounds exist, depending on what caused them and the tissues affected by the injury. Knowing your wound type can help you understand when to seek professional care.

If you need wound care, come to Calvary Urgent Care, located conveniently in Humble, Texas. Dr. Joseph Goin and his team provide quick and efficient care for various types of wounds, including topical ointments and dressings to help the wound heal efficiently.

What is a wound?

An injury to the skin or underlying tissues is considered a wound. Traumatic injuries, such as falls, car accidents, and sports injuries, are typically the cause of wounds.

Various types of wounds affect the body and vary in degrees of severity. Some wounds are minor, and you can treat them alone. In contrast, others are more serious and require professional care, stitches, or surgery.

Seven types of wounds

You may encounter various types of wounds, each requiring a different treatment. You can treat minor to moderate wounds at home, but some require treatment from a professional. Seven of the most prevalent wounds include:

1. Thermal

Thermal wounds come from either extreme cold or heat. Examples of thermal wounds include frostbite, burns, and sunburns.

2. Chemical

Chemicals are typically irritants that can cause skin or lung damage if you touch or inhale them. Chemical wounds are often extremely painful and lead to skin damage and redness.

3. Electrical

Electrocutions or touching live electrical equipment can result in electrical burns or wounds. These wounds often look like superficial burns, but internal wounds may be more significant.

4. Bites or stings

Stings from insects are a common type of wound that can lead to allergic reactions. Common types of stings include bee, wasp, or hornet stings. Bites can come from other humans, wild animals, dogs, and cats.

5. Penetrating

Penetrating wounds are those that break through the top layers of skin and enter into the deeper tissues. Stab wounds, surgical incisions, and gunshots are various forms of penetrating wounds.

6. Open

An open wound is any wound that breaks through the top layer of skin. Abrasions, burns, and lacerations are common forms of open wounds. An open wound can also happen with a compound fracture when the bone breaks through the skin.

7. Closed

A closed wound happens when an injury doesn't penetrate the skin but causes a bruise or contusion. Concussions are another type of closed wound that occurs when the tissues inside the head become injured but don’t show any external kind of wound.

When to seek care for a wound

Home care is usually sufficient to treat a small cut, scrape, or abrasion. However, some wounds are more severe and require professional medical care to avoid serious complications.

Knowing when to seek professional care for a wound is essential to prevent infection and slow-healing wounds. Seek care from Dr. Going for a wound if you have any of the following problems:

A wound deeper than a half-inch
Bleeding that won't stop with pressure
Wounds on the face or genitals
Signs of infection like a fever or redness
Bleeding that lasts longer than twenty minutes
Slow-healing wounds that aren't getting better
Wounds from a severe accident or injury

Living with diabetes can lead to issues with wound healing because of nerve damage and decreased circulation. If you have diabetes, it's essential to check your legs and feet every day to avoid severe wounds and diabetic ulcers.

For quick and efficient wound care, call our Humble, Texas practice at 832-680-2273 or request an appointment on our website.