When we think of wound care, we often think of gaping, gory gashes, necessitating stitches or medical glue to patch up. However, untreated minor wounds can be just as dangerous. Any type of wound can become an entryway for bacteria and can lead to infection.

The dedicated medical professionals at TexomaCare Urgent Care are proud to provide information and treatment for various types of wounds. They are here to help you manage your wound and reduce the risk of infection.

Types of Wounds & Treatments

Common types of wounds include:

  • Lacerations are deep tears in the skin that typically present with ragged skin edges. There is also often bruising around the wound. Because lacerations affect multiple layers of skin, they do not always stop bleeding on their own. Lacerations treatment may include stitches or sutures to fuse together the rough edges of the wound and aid healing.
  • Cuts are more typically shallow tears in the skin and are usually less severe than a laceration. Cuts have clean edges and can often be treated at home. Cut first-aid treatment can include applied pressure with a sanitary cloth or gauze, plus antibacterial ointment to prevent infection, and a bandaging.
  • Abrasions or grazes occur when the top layer of the skin is removed from the skin sliding across a rough surface. They are typically superficial but can still put you at risk for infection. These injuries often contain dirt and gravel and need to be cleaned to properly heal. Be sure to wear sterile gloves, rinse the wound and keep your first-aid supplies sanitary to prevent infection.
  • Blisters are closed fluid pockets that form in the skin. Blisters often result from external pressures like burns, friction and freezing but can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions. As painful and irritating as blisters can be, it is typically best to leave them unpunctured. Blisters serve a purpose and protect deeper layers of tissue from infection and other damage. Blisters typically heal on their own as new skin forms. If your blister does burst, make sure to keep it sterile and covered as it heals to prevent infection.
  • Puncture wounds are wounds caused by an object penetrating deep into the skin and tissue. Puncture wounds do not typically bleed and may even appear to be a closed wound. However, these wounds are extremely susceptible to infection as they can hold bacteria deep in the flesh. The puncturing object can also break off into little pieces in the skin and leave debris. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience a puncture wound.

If  you are experiencing excessive bleeding or suffered a traumatic experience, call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest emergency room.

Watch Out for Wound Contamination and Signs of Infection

Wound infection is one of the largest risks for minor, traumatic and open wounds. Infection can be caused by “dirty wounds.” These wounds contain debris from the initial injury or bacteria introduced to the wound during the healing process.

When treating any type of wound, make sure to first perform a visual check for the presence of foreign material. If you do see debris or dirt in the wound, be sure to remove it before proceeding with cleaning and dressing. Debris can typically be removed with sanitized tweezers or brought to the surface after soaking in warm water. After debris removal, proceed by cleaning the wound and applying sanitary bandages.

Wounds can also become infected after the initial injury if they are not properly sanitized and covered. Be sure to seek medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Discolored discharge or pus around the wound (typically yellow or green)
  • Unpleasant odor stemming from the wound
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Red streaks spreading from the injured body part to other areas

Certain infections like tetanus can be extremely serious and even life threatening. Tetanus shots are effective for five years at a time. Your doctor may recommend a booster tetanus shot within 48 hours of the injury.

Urgent Care for Cuts

TexomaCare Urgent Care is here to help you or a loved one suffering from minor cuts, lacerations and wounds.

The team can help you quickly diagnose and provide medical care for your wound, no matter how severe. For minor wounds, the team can help you clean and cover the wound to prevent infection. The team is also equipped to perform stitches or sutures, without the long wait of an emergency department.

Contact Us Now

TexomaCare Urgent Care, located in Denison, Texas, and Durant, Oklahoma, is open seven days a week. We offer convenient daytime and evening hours for patients needing urgent care treatment. TexomaCare Urgent Care’s team of medical professionals is here to help with your minor cuts, lacerations and wounds.