What are the different types of wound?

Published: February 2016

Last Reviewed: November 2024

There are different types of wounds, each requiring specific treatment for effective healing. Open wounds, like cuts and abrasions, break the skin's surface and require cleaning and protection from infection. Closed wounds, such as bruises or contusions, do not break the skin but may require attention to reduce swelling and pain. 

Understanding these differences can help you make sure the right care is applied, preventing complications and promoting faster recovery. Explore the differences and types of open and closed wounds below and find different effective healing treatments. 

A wound is considered as anything that is a result of any damage to biological body tissue such as skin or organ tissues. There is a range of traumas that can cause wounds to your body and it is essential that wounds are cleaned and cared for as soon as they are noticed on the body in order to avoid infection which can often lead to further problems.

There are several types of common wounds, divided into two categories: open and closed. Each type requires different treatment depending on the severity of the wound.

Open wounds are the wounds with exposed underlying tissue and open to the outside environment, for example, penetrating wounds.

Abrasions occur as a result of minor contact or scraping the skin against a rough surface, commonly through the action of falling over. Children tend to get them when falling over during outdoor activities, such as riding a bike or playing football. They typically only affect the epidermis - the outer layer of skin. However, these wounds can become more serious in certain cases where the abrasions affect a wide area of the body or are deeper into the skin tissue.

Scarring is less common with abrasions, and can be completely avoided by following a step-by-step wound healing routine. Read more on how to treat abrasions.

A laceration wound is caused by skin tissue tearing from an external force. Due to the high level of force, the edges of the skin around the wound are not as smooth as incisions and therefore can lead to very prominent scarring if a proper wound care routine is not practiced.

Lacerations heal a lot slower in comparison to an incision wound because the tear in the skin tissue is much more jagged. They can typically affect the deeper tissues within the body such as: bones, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other internal organs.

These wounds usually affect the areas of the body that are very close to the bone, such as your knees, elbows, shins, forehead and skullcap. Read more on how to treat lacerations.

An incision wound is caused when a sharp object inflicts the skin with a clean cut. A very common example of an incision wound would be a surgical incision for an operation on the body. Generic causes of incision wounds can be from kitchen knives, scissors, broken glass and any other accessible sharp objects through doing everyday activities.

Typically, incision wounds heal much quicker than other types of wounds due to the smoother skin edges around the cut. This means scarring from deep incision wounds is less prominent in comparison to other types of wounds.

A puncture wound occurs when a sharp object penetrates the skin. They can be caused by stepping on an upright nail or needle. Puncture wounds are deeper and generally more narrow than incision wounds, and often can cut through the underlying tissues depending on the size of the object. Puncture wounds typically close quickly as they’re smaller on the exterior, however they can lead to internal infections such as tetanus.

Avulsions are more serious injuries in which the skin is completely separated from the tissue beneath. Avulsions typically occur during major road accidents or when the body interacts with an object that is moving at dangerously high speeds. An avulsion injury would need immediate surgical treatment for chances of recovery on the torn tissue.

Treatment for open wounds can be different depending on the type. However, you can follow these steps below for home treatment that you could do to reduce the bleeding, pain, or swelling of open wounds. 

Make sure to stop the bleeding by applying clean pressure to the wound with a cloth or bandage. Stopping the bleeding is important because it helps prevent excessive blood loss, reduces the risk of infection, and allows the body to begin the healing process.

Gently rinse the wound with clean, lukewarm water to remove dirt or debris. Use mild soap around the wound, but not directly on it to avoid irritation.

Elastoplast Wound Spray is a pain-free, antiseptic spray designed for cleansing minor wounds like cuts, abrasions, burns, and blisters. It helps to prevent infections by removing dirt and bacteria, promoting optimal healing.

Cover the wound with a sterile dressing to protect it and keep it clean. Choose a bandage that fits the size of the wound and gently place it over the area, ensuring it covers the entire wound. 

Elastoplast’s range of plasters, including Elastoplast Fabric Flex Waterproof, Elastoplast  Flexible Fabric XL, Elastoplast Sensitive Dressing XXL, and Elastoplast Waterproof XL Dressings, all provide reliable, long-lasting protection for wounds. They are designed to be flexible, waterproof, and comfortable, adapting to the skin for active users. These plasters also help to prevent infection, keep wounds clean and dry, and promote faster healing. Their varying sizes and features make them suitable for different wound types, offering maximum protection and comfort.

Closed wounds occur without any exposure to the underlying damaged tissue and organs and are generally caused through blunt trauma. 

Contusions, commonly known as bruises, are a type of wound caused by trauma that damages small blood vessels beneath the skin without breaking its surface, resulting in discolouration and tenderness. Bruises usually appear reddish at first, but over time, the colour changes to purple, blue, green, yellow, or brown as the body breaks down and reabsorbs the blood. 

Bruises treatment to reduce pain and swelling includes: 

• Ice: Apply an icepack or cold compress to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes, ensuring you avoid causing an ice burn. 
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the area gently to control swelling and prevent further bleeding.
• Elevation: Raise the bruised area above chest level.
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to reduce the discomfort. But avoid aspirin as it may increase bleeding.

Blisters are small, fluid-filled pockets that form on the skin, typically as a result of friction, burns, and irritation. Blisters are usually in the form of raised, bubble-like formation on the skin with a clear fluid inside. In some cases, blisters may contain blood (if capillaries are damaged) or pus (if the blister is infected). 

Elastoplast Blister Plaster is designed to provide quick relief and effective care for painful blisters. The advanced hydrocolloid technology promotes faster healing by maintaining the ideal moisture level for your skin, while the secure, long-lasting adhesion keeps the plaster in place, even during active moments. Acting like a second skin, they protect against dirt, bacteria, and irritation, staying securely in place for long-lasting comfort. Flexible and discreet, they’re perfect for keeping you active while your skin heals. 

Read more about proper treatment for blisters.

A seroma is a clear, yellowish fluid that builds up in a tissue or body cavity, often after surgery or trauma. It commonly occurs after procedures like breast surgery, liposuction, or abdominal surgery. While usually not dangerous, a seroma can feel uncomfortable, painful, or heavy. It appears as a soft, fluid-filled lump under the skin. In most cases, it resolves on its own as the body reabsorbs the fluid. If persistent or large, a healthcare provider may drain the fluid. Compression garments can also help prevent seromas by reducing the space for fluid accumulation.

A hematoma is a localised collection of blood outside of large blood vessels, typically caused by trauma or injury that damages blood vessels. When blood vessel walls break, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, forming a swollen, discoloured, and often painful lump and warmth around the affected area. 

This can result from injury, surgical procedures, or conditions that affect blood clotting. Treatment includes reducing movement, elevating the area, applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling, using a compression bandage, and draining the accumulated blood by a doctor in cases of large or persistent hematomas.

A crush injury is a type of closed wound that happens when a body part is enduring intense pressure or force, often being trapped under a heavy object. The skin typically remains intact, but the underlying issues, like muscles, blood vessels, and bones, may be damaged. This type of injury can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and permanent tissue damage. Medical attention is required immediately because this condition can lead to complications like compartment syndrome, kidney failure, or shock. 

Always see a doctor if the wound is deep, bleeds heavily or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.

Please note that, although these were compiled with great care, the tips and advice given on this website by no means substitute medical advice and treatment. If you have or suspect a health problem, consult a doctor and follow medical advice regardless of what you have learned on this website.

Always read carefully and follow the instructions for use or the product leaflets. For further information about our products, please contact us via email at ConsumerRelationsUK@Beiersdorf.com.