Getting an injury is a problem, even minor. Some people may think they are okay after an accident because it is of low or moderate severity. However, if you do not pay attention to these minor injuries, they can escalate into serious health problems.
To avoid serious complications, you must consider any injuries you may have. Even if the damage is non-life-threatening, these problems need attention. Keep reading to learn about the 3 non-life-threatening injuries requiring immediate care.
1. Open Wounds
Some open wounds may be treated at home, but the bleeding won’t stop with direct pressure if the open wound is deeper than a 1/2 inch. Moreover, if the bleeding lasts more than 20 minutes, you should seek immediate care, according to the specialists from the Naples Community Injury Care Center. Four types of open wounds require immediate attention: abrasions, punctures, lacerations, and avulsions.
- Abrasions are a form of an open wound caused by friction between the skin and a rough surface.
- Punctures are caused by a pointed item like a nail, knife, or pointy teeth. Although they typically appear superficial, puncture wounds may reach deeper tissue layers. So, it needs immediate care.
- Lacerations are described as skin injuries. But in contrast to abrasion, no skin is removed. Typically, a cut is considered a wound brought on by a sharp item, such as a glass shard. Blunt trauma frequently results in lacerations.
- Avulsions are the forcible removal of skin or another body part, such as an ear or a finger. An avulsion occurs when layers of skin are torn away to expose muscles, tendons, and tissue.
2. Burn Injuries
Burns are tissue injuries caused by heat, excessive sun exposure, radiation, and chemical or electrical contact. Minor burns can be treated at home, but make sure you have a first-aid kit. A doctor should treat severe burns.
The severity and depth to which a burn penetrates the skin’s surface determine which of the three degrees it is: first, second, or third.
- First-degree burns: With a first-degree burn, the epidermis or skin’s surface layer is affected. There are no blisters on the burn site, but it’s painful, dry, and red. One example is a minor sunburn. Rare cases of long-lasting tissue injury frequently involve a change in skin tone.
- Second-degree burns: A second-degree burn will involve the skin’s epidermis and a portion of the dermis. The burn site is red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
- Third-degree burns: With third-degree burns, the epidermis and dermis are destroyed. This can also cause damage to the bones, tendons, muscles, and beneath the skin. The burn may look white in third-degree burns since the nerve endings have been destroyed.
Even if you have a minor burn injury, it is imperative to find the nearest Florida hospital and seek medical care.
3. Sprain Injuries
When the ligament’s fibers are torn, it results in a sprain, which is damage to the ligament. The ligament may be partially torn or completely torn apart. One of the most common types of sprain is an ankle sprain injury. Sprains of the wrist, knee, and thumb are also common. Sprained ligaments frequently swell quickly and are painful.
Common Causes of Sprains
Some sprain causes include rolling the ankle while running, changing directions, or hitting the ground from a jump. Then, slipping or falling on wet or uneven ground. Also, taking a hit to the body, including physical sports. This can result in a direct strike or falls.
Immediate Treatment for Sprains
The most immediate way to treat a sprain is to apply ice to the affected area. Use an ice pack, a slush shower, or a compression pouch filled with cold water to help reduce swelling. Ice the affected area as quickly as possible after the injury. Continue to do so for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times daily, for the first 48 hours or until the swelling improves.
Final Thoughts
These three non-life-threatening injuries may seem like they aren’t serious, but they can result in serious health problems when neglected. As we do our daily activities, we can’t predict the accidents we may encounter.
To avoid sprains, be cautious in everything you do because prevention is better than cure. Always remember the first thing you’ll do in any accident, and for more severe injuries, visit an injury center as soon as possible.