you can’t properly clean dirt and debris out of the cut.

the wound is deep, including puncture wounds, or doesn’t stop bleeding when you apply pressure.

Most wounds will heal themselves, but you should see a doctor or nurse if: You can look after most minor wounds, such as many cuts and abrasions, yourself, by keeping them clean and preventing infection. Other types of wounds can be caused by being immobile, such as bed sores or pressure sores and ulcers. Surgical wounds are cuts made during surgery – they are usually closed with stitches (sutures). Puncture wounds may not bleed very much, but they are prone to infection. An animal bite can also cause a puncture wound. Puncture wounds are deep wounds caused by a sharp pointed object, such as a nail, penetrating the skin. ‘Road rash’ is a term used to describe these injuries in cyclists or motorcyclists, resulting from the skin scraping the road surface. Grazes can happen when a person falls off a skateboard or bike and their body moves across the ground. Grazes (also known as abrasions) are superficial (surface) injuries where the upper skin layer is damaged by friction. Lacerations are a deep cut or tear of the skin - they usually have irregular jagged edges. Cuts are usually caused by a sharp object like a knife or glass, or even a sheet of paper. Wounds can be caused by something sudden, such as a cut, a fall or a bad knock.Ĭuts, grazes and lacerations are all examples of wounds. Minor wounds do not usually need medical attention and can usually be treated with first aid.

Related information on Australian websitesĪ wound is a break or damage to the skin surface.

What are the possible complications of wounds?.

If you have a serious wound with bleeding, a broken bone, a serious burn, a significant head injury or an injury from a fall, call an ambulance on triple zero (000).

Road rash healing process