Written by
Læge
Praktiserende læge, ph.d.
Everyone has experienced a bleeding wound, either caused by accidental stabbing or cutting injuries to the skin or following an abrasion. Most wounds are treatable at home.
No matter where the wound is located or how big/deep the wound is, you should do the following:
A wound heals over 8-10 days. In the first 1-2 days, the body cleans the wound on its own. While this takes place, the wound is weeping and mucky. After 3-5 days, a crust forms over the wound, and after 6-8 days, the skin grows to cover the wound beneath the crust. Finally, after 8-12 days, the crust falls off and reveals a scar.
If wound inflammation occurs, it presents as swelling, warmth, redness, and soreness. All four signs must be present at the same time. The first days following the accident, the wound is watery, which makes some people think that the wound is inflamed – it is not, however – it is the body that cleans the wound. Inflammation does not appear until at least 2 days after.
If a wound bleeds, the bleeding must be stopped. The bleeding is stopped with firm pressure against the wound with gaze for 5 minutes. A handkerchief or some kitchen paper is also suitable. Thereafter, you can carefully look at the wound. If there is dirt in the wound, the wound must be cleaned with water and soap until it is clean. Finally, you put a band-aid on the wound so the edges are pressed together. The wound should be kept dry for 2 days.
If there is redness, warmth, soreness, and swelling around the wound, it may indicate inflammation. If you are uncertain whether you have been given a tetanus vaccination. No more than 24 hours should pass after the accident before you receive a vaccination.
If the bleeding does not stop after 5 – 10 minutes of firm pressure. If you are unable to clean the wound. If the wound is large enough to require stitches or glue. The size and location of the wound are crucial in determining whether to stitch or glue the wound. A facial wound that gapes by more than ½ cm should be closed with stitches or glue. Wounds elsewhere on the body should be examined by a doctor if they gape by more than 1 cm.
