Treating Open Wounds – Types, Treatments, and Complications

09 December 2019

An open wound is an injury that breaks the skin leaves internal tissue exposed. The most common causes of open wounds are sharp objects, falls, and car crashes.

Some wounds heal on their own with a bandage and a bit of patience. However, in case of more serious wounds, you should seek help from medical professionals, such as the ones working in this wound care center Lewisville.

Types of Open Wounds:

Lacerations are deep cuts or tears of the skin. They’re usually caused by knives, machinery, or tools. If the laceration is deep, it can cause extensive bleeding.
Abrasions occur when the skin scrapes or rubs against a hard or rough surface. They usually don’t cause lots of bleeding, but need to be cleaned in order to prevent infections.
Avulsions are usually a result of violent accidents like gunshots, explosions, and crushes. They involve tearing away of the skin and the tissue beneath, as well as heavy bleeding.
Punctures are small holes caused by long and pointy objects like needles or nails. In some cases, a puncture wound can be caused by a bullet. Even if there is no heavy bleeding, the puncture can be quite deep and cause damage to your internal organs.

How to Treat Open Wounds:

Some minor wounds can be treated at home, while others require immediate medical care.

Treating Wounds At Home

If your wound is minor, start by washing and disinfecting it to remove any dirt or debris. Try to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure.
Use sterile bandage or dressing to wrap the wound. Keep it dry and clean for a few days and get lots of rest.
If you feel any pain, you can take Tylenol, but avoid using products that contain aspirin as they can cause bleeding. You can also consult with your doctor about using CBD to ease the pain.
If there’s swelling or bruising, apply some ice.
Apply sunscreen every time you’re going out until the area heals completely.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical help immediately in the following cases:

The wound is deep, large, or has jagged edges.
The bleeding won’t stop after applying pressure or lasts for more than 15 minutes.
The edges of the wound don’t stay together.

Medical Treatments for Open Wounds:

After cleaning the wound, your doctor might close it using sutures, stitches, or skin glue. In case of a puncture, you’ll probably get a tetanus vaccine as well.

Depending on the wound’s severity, your doctor may leave the wound open and allow it to heal naturally. In that case, you’ll probably need to pack the wound with sterile gauze to prevent infection. Make sure your hands are clean whenever you’re changing your dressings and bandages. Before dressing the wound again, you should disinfect it.

If there’s a risk of infection, you’ll need to take antibiotics.

In case of very serious wounds, you may need surgical intervention.

Possible Complications:

The most complication of open wounds is an infection. Here are some common signs of infection:

Green, malodorous, or cloudy drainage
Fever of over 101^oF
Continual pain from the wound
Redness, hot skin, or swelling around the wound
Loss of movement and function

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether your wound is minor or serious, it’s crucial to take immediate action. Minor wounds usually heal on their own, but if you’re seriously wounded, you need to see a doctor immediately in order to receive appropriate treatment and reduce the risk of infection.

Read Also:

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

7 Ways To Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease is a degenerative condition of the gums and soft tissues in the mouth. It may start undetected, but once gum disease has taken hold of tissues in your mouth, it can quickly become a condition that adversely affects the entire body. Symptoms of gum disease: Symptoms of gum disease generally don't pop up until the advanced stage of the disease is in place. Signs that you need to seek dental intervention for gum disease include: Red, bleeding, or inflamed gums Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods Receding Gums Loose or separating teeth Persistent pain in the mouth Noticeable bad breath Pus in and around the gumline Open sores near the gumline If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is essential that you contact your dentist to seek treatment for gum disease and to stop any further progression. Knowing what signs to look for and what to do to prevent gum disease from taking hold will be essential in improving and treating your mouth, teeth, and gums. Here are some things you can do to treat and even prevent gum disease: Brush those teeth! It seems like such a simple thing to do, but it is fundamental to good oral health. Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against both teeth and gums, and move back and forth in a circular motion. Clean all surfaces of the tooth, and give attention to soft tissues in the mouth as well like gums, insides of cheeks, and the tongue. Bacteria can lurk anywhere in the mouth, and brushing is the best way to clear it all out. Use the right toothpaste: Not all kinds of toothpaste are created equal---when choosing a toothpaste, look for one that addresses your individual needs as well as provides additional protection against cavity formation. Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval, and make sure it contains cavity-fighting fluoride to keep teeth and gums healthy. Floss, floss, floss! While you may be an excellent brusher, there are just some places that brushes cannot go to clean teeth. This is where flossing comes in; flossing removes debris in and around the gumline and in between teeth, providing you with the most comprehensive clean possible. It is important to floss daily to keep teeth and gums at their healthiest. Establish a routine where flossing is a normal part of dental care; your mouth will thank you. Rinse with care: Many people rinse their mouths out after brushing, thinking that they are removing additional debris that may still be present. However, when you rinse with water, you end up removing valuable fluoride that is left over from brushing. Oral rinses should complement brushing practices; look for a rinse that contains fluoride and other protective elements that will strengthen teeth. Choose the right mouthwash: Choosing a mouthwash that contains therapeutic ingredients will help to protect surfaces of teeth as well as soft tissues of the mouth. A therapeutic mouthwash can reduce plaque and tartar buildup, reduce the likelihood of infections, and keep your breath fresh and inviting for hours. Mouthwash should never be a replacement for brushing and flossing, but rather a compliment that rounds out your oral care routine. Look for one that is ADA approved, and you'll be good to go. Get regular dental checkups: Professional cleanings are the best way to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. In addition, your dentist can proactively diagnose and treat any dental issues that come up before they rob you of your overall health. With regular visits, a dentist can identify early symptoms of gum disease and gingivitis, making these conditions much more treatable. Make a commitment to yourself and your health by scheduling professional dental cleanings at your Burbank Dentist at least twice a year. Lay off the bad habits: Drinking and smoking are habits that adversely affect your health as well as your mouth. Studies show that the use of tobacco and alcohol are more at risk of developing gum disease, gingivitis, and even oral cancers. Replacing these habits with some more health-conscious ones will ensure that you avoid the effects that these substances have on your mouth. Another factor in the treatment and prevention of gum disease and gingivitis is nutrition. What a person chooses to eat and drink can directly affect the health of the mouth. Some food to include that promote oral health include: High fiber, water-rich fruits, and vegetables Black and green teas, which are known to reduce bacteria Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt Foods that contain fluorides, such as sea vegetables and water Sugar-free gum, which can promote saliva production It is generally a good idea to avoid the following food and drink to promote good oral health: Carbonated sodas and sugary juices Alcohol Sticky and sugary candies and foods Starchy foods that can get stuck in teeth Acidic foods that can wear away the enamel on teeth If your gums are red, inflamed, or bleeding, it is time to visit your dentist to get a professional assessment of your dental condition. Following these simple tips for proactive dental care will ensure that you achieve optimal dental health. Here's to your brightest, healthiest smile! Read Also: Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must 6 Ways To Relieve From Tooth Pain And Sensitivity Naturally How You Can Effectively Ease Pain Caused By Braces: Top Tips

Should You Consider Drinking Cbd Water?

The health benefits of cannabis have been creating ripples in the health and wellness industry for some time now. Many people have raised concerns about the legality of buying Cannabis-based products containing Cannabidiol or CBD, as an oil or as a powder. It is important to state that CBD products are legal and are not rigorously scrutinized by the FDA, just like dietary supplements. Others are having issues separating consuming CBD products from merely getting ‘high’ with marijuana. Experts can answer this by saying that what causes a ‘high’ feeling and altered state of mind is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is also an extract from the cannabis plant. It changes the mind when heated and ingested. You may be aware of the above facts but may not have heard about CBD water. We will also address your concerns. CBD water is another chemical extract obtained from the cannabis plant. Because CBD is not a psychoactive chemical like THC, it does not alter the mind or create a ‘high’ sensation. Water-soluble CBD is useful for the treatment of depression, acne, inflammations, and pain relief. It is also beneficial for reducing artery blockage, reducing the effects of psychosis, preventing the growth of bacteria, curing insomnia, checking blood sugar, reducing nausea and vomiting. It also helps in the treatment of nervous degeneration, muscular spasms, psoriasis, promoting bone growth, and stimulating a healthy appetite. Should You Drink It? The manufacturers of water-soluble CBD say it is totally safe to drink. It well recommended that drinking it is one of the best ways of taking the daily dose of this beneficial natural supplement. However, there are concerns by researchers such as those from Healthline, that CBD water contains insignificant levels of CBD. Most brands are said to carry just about 2 to 5 milligrams of CBD instead of the daily recommended dose of 15 milligrams daily. Most manufacturers, on their part, have defended their product claims by saying that their products contain the right amount of CBD. This goes to say that the use of nanotechnology is responsible for the claimed reduction but that it only reduces the particle size to enhance absorption by the body. Given that CBD is an unstable compound, it needs exposure to light and air to preserve its potency. In reality, this causes a slight breakdown in its potential health benefits. Potential buyers suspect that CBD Water is less potent than CBD oils because of the clear packaging of the former. What Are The Side Effects Of Drinking It? Drinking CBD water does not have such side effects as is associated with most other medications. The side effects of other medications include paralysis, liver damage, or hallucination. The only identified side effects are a dry mouth and the possible inability of the liver to metabolize some other medications properly. In conclusion, you are advised to use CBD water strictly under the supervision of qualified medical personnel because it is still a new medical solution. Even experts are awaiting the results of extensive research. Read Also: What Is The Ideal CBD Dosage For You? Choosing A Medical Marijuana Dispensary What Is Cannabis Oil And How Does CBD Oil Work?

Discover The Daily Habits That May Cause Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue, especially as you age. But, it’s not just older people that suffer, back pain can be caused by physically demanding jobs, poor training techniques, and trauma; In short, anyone can be affected and as many as 4 million Australians live with back problems. The good news is that many cases of back pain can be treated and life quality can be maintained. Treatment options range from over-the-counter pain medication to an operation performed by a reputable spine surgeon. Naturally, the best way to deal with back pain is to avoid it as much as possible. A few simple changes to your lifestyle can make a surprising difference. 1. Avoid Sitting For Too Long Your spine is a complex structure consisting of individual vertebrae separated by soft discs. This setup allows you to flex in most directions while supporting your body in an upright position. The spine also has a hole running through the middle of it, creating a pathway for lots of nerves and protecting them. When you sit the vertebrae move downward, with most of the pressure of your body sitting on the lower few vertebrae and discs. When your spine is functioning normally the discos will actually inflate and deflate, allowing nutrients in and toxins out. But, when you sit the discs are compressed, toxins aren’t removed, and your back will start to cramp. Over time this develops into constant aches and pains. 2. Lifting Incorrectly Professional weightlifters know that lifting is all about the legs. But, you don’t need to be a professional weightlifter to pick things up. It doesn’t even have to be heavy to damage your back. Simply bending incorrectly and lifting something places excessive strain on your back. It can result in inflammation of the discs or even moving them. That means you’ll be in a lot of pain. Related Resource: 7 Simple Exercises That Can Relieve Back Pain In No Time 3. The Wrong Shoes His mainly applies to women as high heels are one of the worst shoes you can wear for your back. By lifting your feet to an angle, high heels change the way your weight is distributed and reduce the support your feet offer to your back. This means your spine will shift position slightly to accommodate the strain. It can result in a variety of aches and pains as your body moves in ways it’s not supposed to. 4. Posture It’s inevitable that posture will be mentioned. Many people sit all day at a computer screen and, without meaning to, will hunch forward to see the screen or concentrate on a specific task. The longer you adopt an incorrect posture the more likely it is you’ll affect the curvature of your spine and potentially create an array of back problems for the future. If you stand all day keep your knees slightly bent and your weight on the balls of your feet. Sitting all day means keeping your feet flat on the floor and keeping your arms parallel to the ground. These small changes in habits can stop or prevent back pain from happening. Read Also: Can a Mattress Cause Back Pain?Four Easy Ways To Take Back Control Of Your Health This SummerEasy Ways To Prevent Back Pain With A Seat Cushion When You Are Seated All Day Long

Treating Open Wounds – Types, Treatments, and Complications

Types of Open Wounds: