woundsandtheirprotection(I)

In cleaning tasks, the risk of suffering cuts or wounds is a constant, whether from handling garbage where there may be sharp objects, or from accidents with the furniture or tools.

Knowing how to act in the event of a wound and how to protect it is essential first aid knowledge.

Definition and Types of Wounds

A wound is an injury that originates in the skin, breaking the tissue, and can be caused by external agents (glass, cans) or internal (a fracture).

They can be classified in several ways. Depending on their condition, they can be open, with a greater chance of infection, or closed, which do not present tissue separation but generate bruises and require rapid attention.

Depending on their complexity, they can be simple, affecting only the skin (scrapes, scratches), or complicated, which are deep, with abundant bleeding and can affect muscles, nerves or organs.

Wound Classification According to the Causative Agent

The type of object that causes the wound determines its characteristics. Puncture wounds are caused by sharp objects (nails, needles) and have a high risk of infection due to their depth.

Cutting wounds are produced by sharp objects (knives, glass) and have clean edges. Stabbing wounds combine both characteristics (scissors, daggers).

Other common wounds are abrasions (caused by friction), lacerations (jagged edges), avulsive wounds (with torn tissue), or contusions (caused by blows).

Protocol for Action and When to See a Doctor

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep or bleeds heavily, if it shows signs of infection (redness, heat, pain), if it has foreign objects stuck to it, if it was caused by a bite, if it is on the face, or if the tetanus vaccination is not up to date.

For a simple wound, the basic first aid procedure is: wash your hands and wear gloves if possible; clean the wound with clean water and soap or an antiseptic to remove dirt; stop the bleeding by applying pressure with sterile gauze; and cover the wound with a clean dressing or gauze to prevent infection, as it should never be left uncovered.

Types of Dressings for Wound Protection

Dressings used to cover wounds should be changed daily for hygiene reasons and are classified according to their function.

Passive dressings, such as traditional gauze, serve to protect, isolate, and absorb.

Interactive dressings, such as tulle or hydrophilic foams, help maintain a humid physiological environment in the wound, which promotes healing.

Bioactive dressings, such as hydrocolloids or alginates, interact with the wound to maintain moisture and allow oxygenation.

Finally, mixed dressings are dressings that combine several of the above characteristics and may inc