Venous Vs. Arterial Wound
- Some injuries are better left open to heal.flesh wound image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
Abrasions are probably one of the most common injuries or wounds, and result from scraping the skin from handling rough objects or falls. The injury damages small veins and capillaries causing blood to ooze from the wound. Bleeding from the venous wound is generally minimal. However, there is a high risk for infection of this venous wound due to dirt and bacteria possibly being ground into the wound. These wounds need to be cleaned well and are best left open to drain and heal. - Some injuries require stitches.surgery 2 image by rvvelde from Fotolia.com
A cut on the body caused by a knife, broken glass or other sharp objects is called an incision. This type of injury can be either a venous wound or an arterial wound depending on how deep the injury is and the location of the wound. Remember, arterial wounds "spurt" bright red blood. To control the bleeding, it is best to apply direct pressure to the wound. This type of wound may require sutures or stitches depending on the depth of the wound. In some cases (mostly on children), a skin glue called DermaBond may be used to close the wound. - Lacerations are breaks or tears in the skin that are jagged or irregular. These injuries cause more damage to the skin tissue and generally have more extensive and rapid bleeding. This type of wound may also be either venous or arterial in nature. To control the bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound. If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate the extremity to reduce the blood flow to that area. Lacerations have a much higher risk for infection due to the mechanism of injury of the wound, so you may need antibiotics.
- Caused by bullets or pointed object like nails, screws or an ice pick, puncture wounds can be venous or arterial wounds. Puncture wounds should be treated by a medical professional. These wounds, whether arterial or venous, have minimal external bleeding. However, the extent of internal damage is unknown without medical attention. There could be internal bleeding, either venous or arterial, or damaged organs. Infection and tetanus are other concerns regarding puncture wounds.
- This type of venous or arterial wound is caused by things such as guns, animal bites, heavy machinery, motor vehicle accidents and explosives. Avulsions are a tearing or forcible separation of skin tissue that leaves a flap of skin hanging open. The extent of bleeding and damage depends on the depth and location of the wound. These injuries usually have heavy bleeding and sometimes result in detachment of a finger, toe, ear or other part known as amputation. Depending on the extent of damage and bleeding, bleeding can be controlled by applying direct pressure and elevating the injured limb. These venous or arterial wounds generally require sutures or stitches to repair the damaged area, re-attach the skin or body part and stop blood flow.
