Understanding Different Types of Wounds  |  Biodermis.com Biodermis

Understanding Different Types of Wounds | Biodermis.com

Open wound injuries are some of the most common types of bodily injury a person can sustain. Open wounds are characterized by a break in the tissue of the skin that can cause bleeding. The causes of open wounds are endless, and they can be classified as internal or external or a combination of each. It’s easy to consider all wounds in a similar manner, but there are different types of wounds that are distinct in the way they are sustained. But no matter the type of wound and the way it was caused, there is always the potential for scarring. In some cases, people may experience excessive scarring that is physically unappealing. Luckily, there are clinically-proven ways to improve the appearance of scars after an injury or surgery and products are readily available online.

Continue reading to learn more about the different types of wounds and to discover an effective scar therapy solution that ensures optimal recovery results.

Types of wounds

Here we will be taking a look at open wounds—wounds that can cause external bleeding and scarring. Internal wounds such as hematomas (blood tumors) or bruises generally cannot be treated topically and, for this reason, will not be considered here.

Puncture wounds are characteristically small and round but can become deep if enough force is applied. Puncture wounds are formed by sharp, pointed objects like pencils or nails. Such wounds can cause moderate bleeding as well as infection if not treated early on.

Laceration wounds are marked by a jagged, irregular tearing of the skin that can be caused by a number of sharp or blunt objects like knives and other sharp tools. Lacerations are similar in size and appearance to incisions made in the operating room but often cause greater bleeding and scarring.

Abrasions are marked by the scraping away of the skin, commonly caused by road rash or rug burns. More often than not, abrasions only cause superficial damage to the epidermis (top layer) of the skin followed by little to no bleeding. However, in the case of serious motorcycle or car accidents, road rash can lead to significant bleeding and scarring.

Ulcers are surface wounds that develop when skin tissue decomposes in the presence of skin sores. Ulcers are most commonly located on the lower half of the body, like the legs and feet. In mild cases, ulcers will only cause damage to the top layer of the skin. More serious ulcers can cause the degradation of all three layers of the skin. Bacterial and fungal infections and poor blood circulation are associated with the formation of ulcers.

Burn wounds occur when the skin comes in contact with intense sources of heat like fire, electricity, and direct sunlight. Burns are classified by degrees (first through fourth) according to how many layers of skin are damaged. Depending on the severity of the burn, a person may experience excessive scarring on large areas of the skin. With first and second degree burns, little to no scarring may result.

Wound healing and scarring

On average, all wounds follow the same wound healing process, unless some genetic or environmental factor interferes. For the wound healing response to be initiated, damage needs to be sustained by the epidermis (top) and dermis (middle) layers of the skin. Shortly after trauma, hemostasis is activated to form a blood clot and stop bleeding. Hemostasis is follow by inflammation, which is characterized by redness, pain, and swelling. The next stage, called proliferation, helps with new tissue regeneration. The final stage, known as maturation or remodeling, is marked by the reorganization of collagen into scar tissue.

Depending on genetics and skin type, some people may experience greater scar tissue growth than others. Raised, discolored scars are often classified as either keloids or hypertrophic scars. People predisposed to these scar types are the best candidates for silicone gel therapy. Medical grade topical silicone in the form of gel sheets and silicone sticks is the only clinically-proven topical solution to help prevent and manage serious scars. Topical silicone works through the mechanisms of dermal hydration and collagen regulation to help flatten and smoothen scars, allowing them to blend in with the surrounding tissue.


Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
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