Acute Wounds Gallery
Abrasions
Abrasions are wounds generally caused by scraping the skin's outer layers. Bleeding is usually minimal. Often, there is foreign matter (such as dirt or gravel) imbedded in the skin. If not removed immediately after the injury, dirt or debris left in the skin may cause a permanent tattooing effect. These wounds often become infected.
Cuts and Lacerations
Cuts are when the skin is severed and opened, causing the opening to bleed. Cuts can range from mild, superficial wounds to deep, penetrating injuries. Minor cuts with a minimal bleeding can be handled at home. Major cuts, or ones that do not stop bleeding should be treated by a physician and may require stitches. All cuts should be treated regardless of severity. They can easily become infected and lead to more serious problems.
Lacerations are tears in the skin, often irregular in shape, caused by blunt trauma like being struck or falling. Minor lacerations are not very deep and are accompanied by little bleeding, or minimal pain. However, serious lacerations are deeper, have excessive bleeding, intense pain, and sometimes numbness or tingling. These require immediate medical attention.
Burns

Burns can be produced by several sources such as heat, cold, friction, electricity, radiation or light. The amount of damage and severity is highly variable depending on length of exposure or type of burn. They can cause blisters, peeling, or damage to nerves, muscles and limbs. In extreme cases, burns can cause permanent injury or death. The depth and magnitude to which the burn enters the tissue, muscle and/or bone are classified into one of six degrees with the lowest numbers indicating the least destructive. Minor burns are treatable and usually heal easily, while more severe burns often have long-lasting physical and mental effects.
Blisters
A blister is a bubble in the skin that is filled with a fluid. Blisters are caused by irritation, like friction, a pinch, minor burn or certain diseases. Most frequently filled with a watery liquid, there are also blisters that have encased blood . It is best not to pop the blister as the fluid inside it will help new skin grow while keeping it clean. The fluid will then simply be reabsorbed into the body.
Cold Sores

Herpes Simplex is a virus that can causes blisters and sores in and around different parts of the body. The blister type and location is based on the type of herpes a person has contracted. Most herpes sores are located around the mouth or near the genitals, anus or buttocks. It is normal for those infected to have several outbreaks of sores or blisters throughout the year. The blisters and sores can be painful, itchy and tingly, and may scab. The blisters will then heal or disappear. Even when sores are not present, the virus can be transmitted to others.
Hangnails

Hangnails or agnails are thin, torn pieces of dead skin next to a nail caused by dry skin or nail biting. These can be painful and may bleed when pulled, if still attached to living skin
Insect Bites and Stings
Insect bites and stings can be painful and even life threatening depending on the insect. The entry wound will normally be visible and red. Initially, the stinger may still be inside the wound. If so, remove it. Most bites or stings are small with little or no bleeding and usually some swelling or itching, but these heal quickly. However, many people do have serious allergic reactions to bee or wasp stings that require immediate medical attention. Additionally, certain spiders are known to have toxins that are very potent or deadly. If severe pain occurs or a "bulls eye" appears around the bite, seek medical care immediately
Puncture Wounds

These types of wounds are caused by an object piercing the skin layers and creating a small hole. Some punctures are superficial, while some are very deep, depending on their source and cause. Common causes include wood splinters, pins, nails, and glass. Infections are common, due to the difficulty of fully cleaning the puncture site.