Wounds

Overview

Everyday life is full of mishaps that can lead to wounds of all descriptions. The first measure is to disinfect, clean and cover the wound. A doctor should be consulted for deep, severely bleeding or dirty wounds or wounds that aren't healing.

Symptoms

• Pain, burning, stabbing
• Bleeding
  

Causes and treatment

Causes

There are different types of wounds:

• Grazes
• Cuts
• Stab wounds
• Bite wounds
• Contused wounds
• Pressure sores (bedsores)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Careful examination of neighbouring tendons, muscles, blood vessels and nerves

Possible therapies

• Cleaning and disinfection of the wound
• Closing of the wound, e.g. stitches or plasters
• Sterile bandage
• Painkillers
• Tetanus vaccination
  

What can I do myself?

• First clean the wound under clean running water
• Disinfect the wound
• Cover the wound with a plaster or bandage
• If it is bleeding badly, press on the wound / apply a compression bandage

The bleeding often stops on its own after a short while, but bleeding will be prolonged for people who use blood thinning (anticoagulation) medication.

When to see a doctor?

• Severe bleeding that can't be stopped (in particular if you're taking blood-thinning medication)
• Sensory disturbances or paralysis in the arms or legs
• Treated wounds that are suddenly painful again, swell, turn red and/or produce pus
• Wounds that haven't healed after a considerable time
• If you had your last tetanus vaccination more than ten years ago (diphtheria, DTP)