Correct treatment

First aid for injuries

Minor abrasions usually heal without complications or scarring.

(Bild: © Przemek Klos – stock.adobe.com)

Whether at home, at work or in your free time: minor and major wounds happen quickly. How do you react correctly? A specialist in general and visceral surgery from Vienna explains what types there are, what to do and what you need to be prepared for.

Cuts and bruises, burns, chemical burns and more - there are many different types of injury.

As a general rule: "Simple, acute wounds heal without complications within 2-3 weeks. The prerequisites for this are smooth, close-fitting wound edges, a minimal tissue defect, a well-perfused wound area and the absence of foreign bodies and infections," explains Dr. Alexander Pötscher, specialist in general and visceral surgery, Wound Center Vienna 22, at Ärzte Krone. If these conditions are met, scars are minimal. The specialist gives a brief overview of some types of wounds:

Cuts
These are among the most common household wounds and typically have smooth wound edges. A protective plaster is sufficient for small scrapes. They heal very well. Deep wounds need to be examined more closely because nerve and tendon injuries may be present.

Puncture wounds
In the case of a stab wound, the causative object must not be removed from the wound yourself due to the risk of heavy bleeding or the opening of a so-called hollow organ (such as the heart or lungs). Call an ambulance!

Crush wounds
External force causes compression of the soft tissue with injury to the blood vessels and the formation of a hematoma ("bruise"). Minor contusion wounds usually heal within 1-2 weeks without scarring. Cool the affected area immediately after the accident to prevent edema and hematoma formation. If there is also an open skin injury, there is a risk of superinfection.

Abrasions
These are often found in the area of bony structures. Punctiform bleeding occurs through injured capillaries (tiny blood vessels). They usually heal without complications or scars.

Burns
In the case of first-degree burns, nourishing ointments are used and a bandage is usually not necessary. Superficial second-degree burns are treated by the doctor with partially sealing dressing materials after the deep removal of dead tissue. In the case of third-degree burns, depending on the size and location of the wound, the dead tissue (necrosis) is surgically removed and sometimes skin is transplanted.

Chemical burns
Immediately rinse thoroughly, do not force vomiting. Further treatment in hospital.

Bite wounds
These have a wide range of injuries, infectious complications are common. Mechanical reduction of the bacterial count and optimization of microcirculation in the wound area form the basis of surgical treatment in hospital.