If you are dealing with a deep open wound, it’s important to take prompt and appropriate action to ensure proper care and minimize the risk of complications. Avoid delaying as it can lead to serious consequences. Lack of appropriate wound care may result in delayed or impaired healing.

When a wound is severe, complex, or requires specialized medical attention that cannot be provided on an outpatient basis, professional inpatient wound care may be necessary, especially for those with diabetes or after surgery. The medical care will help to avoid infection, complications such as chronic wounds or the formation of excessive scar tissue.

Nurse talking with a senior patient suffering from epilepsy and deep open wounds.

Deep Open Wound – Avoid These Mistakes

Please be aware that a deep open wound is generally considered a medical emergency, especially if it involves severe bleeding, is caused by a traumatic injury, or is located in a critical area of the body. Make sure you act quickly without causing complications.

Here are some mistakes to avoid:

  • Ignoring the severity of a deep open wound which can lead to complications such as serious and spread infection, chronic pain, functional impairments and other untreatable health conditions.
  • Delaying medical assistance may cause uncontrolled consequences. Call emergency and then do small things to help.
  • Excessive movement – Depending on the location of the wound, avoid excessive movement as this could cause strain that could make it worse straight away. Also excessive movement can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications. Here’s why limiting movement is crucial for deep open wounds. This usually happens while cleaning the wound.
  • Using contaminated and dirty objects to clean the deep and open wound increases the risk of infection.
  • Applying excessive pressure to the area can be dangerous and may cause additional trauma.
  • Removing embedded objects – Don’t try to remove it and leave it to a medical professional to do so.
  • Using harsh cleansers – Avoid using any harsh cleansers such as hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on the deep open wound, as they delay healing and damage healthy tissue.

 

Touching the wound with unwashed hands – trying to do anything to the wound with dirty hands can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.

 

Avoid using non-sterile materials, such as tissue paper or dirty cloth, to clean or cover the wound.

Do all deep wounds always require stitches?

Stitches are more likely to be needed for deep open wounds, but not all deep wounds require them. The decision to use stitches is made by a healthcare professional after a thorough examination of the wound. They will consider various factors, including the size, location, and nature of the wound, as well as the amount of time that has passed since the injury. They will also assess the wound’s overall characteristics, and whether it is infected or not as well as the types of infected wounds.

In some cases, wounds are left open to heal by a process called secondary intention. This involves allowing the wound to heal naturally from the inside out without closing the edges. This method is often used for wounds that are contaminated or have a higher risk of infection.

This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.