Acute Wounds

Introduction to Acute Wounds

An acute wound is an injury that penetrates through the upper layers of the skin to the deeper tissues (dermis or subdermal layers) and requires medical attention. Acute wounds may include lacerations, incisions, abrasions, puncture wounds and crush injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, an acute wound may require stitches, staples, sutures or closure devices.

Signs & Symptoms of Acute Wounds

The signs and symptoms of acute wounds vary depending on the severity of the injury. The most common signs and symptoms include:

bleeding
pain
swelling
bruising
tenderness
discoloration of the skin
open wound or laceration

Causes of Acute Wounds

Acute wounds can be caused by trauma, such as a cut from a kitchen knife, a fall off a bicycle, or impact from a car collision. Other causes include:

surgery
animal bites
burns
insect stings
gunshot
pressure injuries

Treatment of Acute Wounds

Treatment of acute wounds depends on the type of wound and the severity of the injury. Common treatment options include:

cleaning and dressing the wound
antibiotic ointments
stitches, staples, sutures, or closure devices
pain medications
wound care such as wound vacuums, enzyme cleaners, and wound dressings

It is important to follow the injury care instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Prompt treatment of acute wounds may help reduce the risk of complications, such as infection and scarring.