Wounds

Everyday life is full of mishaps that can lead to wounds of all descriptions.

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)

Exclusion of liability

CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.