This condition may be caused by an injury, such as:

• Being crushed.

• Falling against a jagged surface.

• An animal bite.

• A gunshot wound.

• A severe burn.

• Being dragged, such as in a bicycle or motorcycle accident.

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Pain.

• Numbness.

• Swelling.

• Bleeding, which may be heavy.

Treatment for this condition depends on how large and deep the wound is and where it is located. Treatment usually starts with:

• Stopping the bleeding.

• Washing out the wound with a germ-free (sterile) solution.

After initial treatment, the wound may be closed or left open to heal.

• Wounds that are small and clean may be closed with stitches (sutures).

• Wounds that cannot be closed with sutures may be covered with a piece of skin (graft) or your own skin flap.

• Wounds that are hard to close or that may become infected may be left open. These wounds heal over time.

You may also be treated with medicine, such as:

• Antibiotic medicine.

• Pain medicine.

• Tetanus shot.

Medicines

• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take or apply it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking or using the antibiotic even if your condition improves.

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• If you were prescribed a pain medicine, take it 30 minutes or more before you do any wound care, or as told by your health care provider.

• Ask your health care provider if the medicine prescribed to you requires you to avoid driving or using machinery.

Wound care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound. Make sure you:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.

  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.

  • Leave sutures, skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.

• Clean the wound each day, or as told by your health care provider:

  • Wash the wound with mild soap and water.

  • Rinse the wound with water to remove all soap.

  • Pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Do not rub it.

  • Cover the wound with a clean dressing.

• Keep your dressing clean and dry. Do not take baths, swim, use a hot tub, or do anything that would put your wound under water until your health care provider approves.

• Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:

  • More redness, swelling, or pain.

  • More fluid or blood.

  • Warmth.

  • Pus or a bad smell.

• Do not scratch or pick at the wound.

General instructions

• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. These may delay wound healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Eat a healthy diet to help your wound heal. This includes eating foods rich in protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

• Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.