Whether you have a minor or a more serious open wound, it’s important to take quick action. Some open wounds can be treated at home, but this isn’t always the case. You need medical attention if you have a deep cut or if you’re bleeding a lot. This ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment and reduces your risk for complications and infection.
1. What is an open wound?
An open wound is an injury involving an external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving the skin. Nearly everyone will experience an open wound at some point in their life. Most open wounds are minor and can be treated at home.
Falls, accidents with sharp objects, and car accidents are the most common causes of open wounds. In the case of a serious accident, you should seek immediate medical care. This is especially true if there’s a lot of bleeding or if bleeding lasts for more than 20 minutes.
2. Are there any complications from having an open wound?
The main complication of an open wound is the risk for infection. Call your doctor immediately if you’ve had a puncture, deep laceration, or serious accident and you’re showing signs of significant bleeding or infection.
Signs of hemorrhage include continuous bleeding that doesn’t respond to direct pressure. You may have an infection if the wound shows:
- an increase in drainage
- thick green, yellow, or brown pus
- pus with a foul odor
Other signs of infection include:
- a fever of over 100.4°F (38°C) for more than four hours
- a tender lump in your groin or armpit
- a wound that isn’t healing
Your doctor will drain or debride the wound and often prescribe an antibiotic if a bacterial infection develops. In serious cases, you may need surgery to remove infected tissue and sometimes the surrounding tissue as well.
Conditions that can develop from an open wound include:
- Lockjaw: This condition is caused by an infection from the bacteria that cause tetanus. It can cause muscle contractions in your jaw and neck.
- Necrotizing fasciitis: This is a severe soft tissue infection caused by a variety of bacteria including Clostridium and Streptococcus that can lead to tissue loss and sepsis.
- Cellulitis: This is an infection of your skin that’s not in immediate contact with the wound.