Wound care

Wound Care

Wound care (pronunciation: /wuːnd keər/) is a specialized area of healthcare involving methods and procedures used to treat and heal injuries, infections, and surgical sites.

Etymology

The term "wound" originates from the Old English word "wund", meaning an injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact. "Care" comes from the Old English "carian", meaning to feel concern or interest.

Types of Wounds

There are several types of wounds that require care, including:

• Abrasions: superficial damage to the skin, usually caused by a scrape or friction.
• Lacerations: a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh.
• Puncture Wounds: caused by an object piercing the skin, such as a nail or needle.
• Incisions: a surgical cut made in skin or flesh.
• Ulcers: a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue.

Wound Care Techniques

Wound care techniques vary depending on the type and severity of the wound. Some common techniques include:

• Cleaning: This involves washing the wound with water and mild soap to remove any dirt or debris.
• Dressing: This involves covering the wound with a sterile bandage or wrap to protect it from infection.
• Debridement: This involves removing dead or infected tissue from the wound to promote healing.
• Antibiotics: These may be applied topically or taken orally to prevent or treat infection.

Related Terms

• Wound Healing: The process by which the body repairs damage to the skin and tissue.
• Infection: The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body.
• Surgical Wound: A cut or incision in the skin that is usually made by a scalpel during surgery.
• Chronic Wound: A wound that does not heal in an orderly set of stages and in a predictable amount of time the way most wounds do.

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