Bruises, contusions, contused lacerated wounds

Overview

Bruises, contusions and what are termed 'contused lacerated wounds' (CLWs) are caused by a blow or fall or the area in question becoming pinched or trapped. Bruising, scrapes, abrasions or tears can occur. The first measure for treating the injury is rest and cooling, and for open wounds, disinfection and bandaging of the injured site.

Symptoms

• Shooting and burning pain
• Abrasions, tears and other skin injuries
• Bruising, swelling
• Depending on the site, possibly bone fracture, concussion, etc.
  

Causes and treatment

Cause

• External trauma such as blows, falls, pinching, etc.

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

• Careful examination of the wound
• X-ray to exclude bone fractures, if necessary

Possible therapies

• Painkillers
• Cleaning and disinfection of the wound
• Bandage
• Stitches
• Tetanus vaccination
  

What can I do myself?

• Apply RICE treatment:
  • Rest
  • Ice (or cool pack) to cool the injury
  • Compression (exert pressure) with a bandage
  • Elevate the injured area
• Take painkillers
• Disinfect and cover the wounds (plaster, bandage)

Don’t apply heat treatment and massages during the first few days after the injury.

When to see a doctor?

• Pain that grows worse
• Increasing redness, wound is overheated
• Wound is very dirty
• Deep or severely bleeding wound
• Injury to joints, genitalia and face
• Severe headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness
• Numbness or paralysis around the injury
• Open wound and last tetanus vaccination was more than ten years ago